ct. 




J COP/RIGHT, 1889, BY HAROLD ROORBACH 



'^' '9 full DesrriJIJtlbe Catalogue of Dramas, Comedies, Comediettas, Farces, 
' ^gide-books. Novel Entertainments for Church, School and Parlor 
' 'ning complete and explicit information, will be sent to any address 
"*n postage. Address as above. 



ROORBACH'S AMERICAN EDITION 



PRICE, 15 CENTS EACH. 

This series embraces the best of plays, suited to the present time. The reprints ha-* 
been rigidly comp;ireH with the original acting copies, so that absolute purity •> 
text and stage business is warranted. Each play is furnished with an introductio 
of the greatest value to the stage m.tnagei, containing the argument or synopsis f 
incidents, complete lists of properties and costumes, diagrams of the stage setting 
and practicable scene-pints, with the fullest stage directions. They are hanci 
somely printed from new electrotype plates, in readable type, on fine papeJ 
Their complete introductions, textual accuracy, and mechanical excellence rendei 
these books far superior in every respect to all editions of acting plays hithert 
published. 

I. ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. A comic drama in two acts. Sij 

male, three female characters. Time, two hours. ! 

a. A SCRAP OF PAPER, A comic drama in three acts. Six male, six female 
characters. Time, two hours. 

3. MY LORD IN LIVERY. A farce in one act. Five male, three female char- 

ters. Time, fifty minutes. 

4. CABMAN No. 93. A farce in one act. Two male, two female characte 

Time, forty minutes, 

5. MILKY WHITE. A domestic drama in two acts. Four male, two female cha. 

acters. Time, one hour and three quarters. 

6. PARTNERS FOR LIFE. A comedy in three acts. Seven male, four female 

characters. Time, two hours. | 

7. WOODCOCK'S LITTLE GAME. A comedy-farce in two acts. Four male! 

four female char. cters. Timr, one hour. ; 

8. HOW TO TAME YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW. A farce in one act. Four 

male, two female characters. Time, thirty-five minutes. 

9. LADY AUDLEY'S SECRET. A drama in two acts. Four male, three female 

characters. Time, one hour and a quarter. 

10. NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL. A comedy in three acts. Six male, five female 
characters. Time, one hour and forty minutes. 

II. WHICH IS ""A^HICH ? A comedietta in one act. Three male, three female 
characters. Time, fifty minutes. 1 

12. ICI ON PARLE FRAN^AIS. A farce in one act. Three male, four female i 
characters. Time, forty-five minutes. i^ 

13. DAISY FARM. A drama in four acts. Ten male, four female character^. 
Time, two hours and twenty minutes. ' j 

14. MARRIED LIFE. A comedy in three acts. Five male, five female characters.' 
Time, two hours, 

15. A PRETTY PIECE OF BUSINESS, A comedietta in one act. Two male, 
three female characters. Time, fifty minutes. 

16. LEND ME FIVE SHILLINGS, A farce in one act. Five male, two female 
characters. Time, one hour. 

17. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.— Original Version. A drama in six acts. Fifteen 
male, seven female characters. Time, three hours. 

18. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.— New Version. A drama in five acts. Seven 
male, five female characters. Time, two hours and a quarter. 

19. LONDON ASSURANCE. A comedy in five acts. Ten male, three female 
characters. Time, two hours and three quarters, 

20. ATCHI ! A comedietta in one act. Three male, two female characters. Tirni 
forty minutes. 

31. WHO IS WHO ? A farce in one act. Three male, two female charactei 
10 Time, forty minutes. 

22. THE WOVEN WEB. A drama in four acts. Seven male, three female cha^ 
acters. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. 

23. MISS MADCAP. A comedietta in one act. Two male, one female charr 
Time, twenty minutes. 

24. THE DARKEY WOOD DEALER. A farce in one act. Twn 
male characters. Time, twenty minutes. 



ale 



STRIFE 



AN ORIGINAL COMEDY DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS 

BY ^ 

HORACE C. DALE 



Author's Edition correctly printed from the Prompt 
Copy, with the Original Cast of the Characters, 
Synopsis of Incidents, Time of Representation, 
Description of the Costumes, Scene and Prop- 
erty Plots, Diagrams of the Stage Set- 
tings, Sides of Entrance and Exit, 
Relative Positions of the Per- 
formers, and all of the 
Stage Business. 



Copyright, 1890, by Horace C. Dale 
All rights reserved. 




nk^js 



NEW YORK 

HAROLD ROORBACH 

PUBLISHER 




Note : The acting rights of this play are expressly reserved by the 
author. Theatrical Managers desiring to produce it should apply to the 
author in care of the publisher. Amateur representation may be made 
without such application and without charge. 



STRIFE. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 



Grand Opera House, 

Reading, Pa., 

May 2jth, 1887. 

Judge Henry Buttons, [ ct retired Judge, and 1 Mr. William Ward. 
•' ' ( wealthy null-owner, j 

']A.K?.o\AiTYio^K'i, a gentleman of leisure Mr, Thomas Barrett. 

Henry Hansell, a mechanic Mr. Horace C. Dale. 

Aristotle Thompkins, 1 the Judge's most in- ( Mr. George R. Rice. 
Horatio Squash, j timate friends. \ Mr. D. H. Purnell. 
Hans Von Sandt, his cook Mr. J. W. Lark. 

JV^^^^' \ his servants I ^M^'A^w i".'' 

Neb, j \ Mr. L. F. Welsh. 

Policeman, Mr. William Bowen. 

Laura Bell, the Judge's ward. Miss Claribel Lewis. 

Mrs. Hansell, Henry's mother. Miss Nina Monteith. 

Dolly, a maid. Miss Clara Younge. 

Mary Harris, Miss Annie James. 

Mob, etc., by the company. 
Thompkins can be doubled and played by Hansell ; Squash by the 
Policeman ; and Mary by Dolly. 



Time of Playing. — Two Hours and a Quarter. 
Time, the Present. Locality, Wheeling, West Va. 



STRIFE. 3 

SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS. 

Act I. — Reception-room in Judge Buttons' mansion. — An eavesdrop- 
per. — The Judge in a tantrum. — Guardian and ward. — "A frog he 
would a wooing go."^ — Some pointed observations. — The cause of human- 
ity. — A timely warning. — " Go ; and don't enter my house again unless I 
send for you ! " — Echoes of the past. — A gentleman of leisure. — Mistaken 
identity. — Recognition. — An insult and a blow. — Threatened exposure. — 
Brought to bay. — A murderous assault.— A son's defence. — Humiliation. — 
Tableau. 

Act II, Scene i. A street. — Julius goes « a-sparkin'." — Love at 
first sight. — Neb's peculiar method of " raising the wind." — Gentleman 
and workingman. — Rejection of proffered aid. — " Strike ! " — " Lead on ; 
I follow, to seal his fate ! " Scene 2. Mrs. Hansell's home. — A mother's 
anxiety. — An excited visitor. — Welcome tidings. — Mother and son. — . 
*« Nobly spoken ! Go, and may Heaven's blessing attend you." Scene ^. 
A street. — A villain's resolve. — Hans Von Sandt in the clutches of the 
law. — Neb in luck. Scene 4. Exterior of Judge Buttons' residence. — - 
The mob's assault. — The mechanic's impassioned appeal. — Conflagration. — ■ 
" Back, every man of you ! " — Tableau. 

Act HL — The Judge's reception-room. — An embarrassing situation. — 
Hansell is sent for. — Good intentions, and an offered reward. — Some more 
pointed observations. — The workingman's ultimatum. — Reinstatement. — 
A question of duty. — An interruption. — A cowardly scheme. — Strange 
revelations. — The serpent's sting. — An interesting episode. — " Hail fel- 
lows, well met." — A slight unpleasantness in which Germany goes to the 
wall. — Tableau. 

Act. IV. — Same as before. — War declared against Hans. — A false 
attack. — Consternation. — The Judge secures his assailant. — Alienation. — 
A noble woman's defiance. — Indignation. — Accused of crime. — Impend- 
ing disgrace. — A mother's intervention. — Villainy unmasked. — Foiled ! — 
A great wrong righted. — " Nothing but sunshine." — Tableau. 

COSTUMES. 

Judge Buttons. — Black Prince Albert coat ; black trousers ; white 
vest ; standing collar ; black tie ; patent leather shoes. Iron gray wig, 
side whiskers and moustache. 

Harold Thomas. — Act I. Prince Albert coat ; black vest and trous- 
ers ; patent leather shoes ; white tie ; standing collar ; kid gloves ; black 
wig and moustache. 

Act II. Scenes i and 3, same as Act I, with silk hat. Scene 4, An 
old dark sack coat, vest and trousers ; black felt hat pulled down over 
eyes. 

Acts III and IV. Dress as per Act I. 

Henry Hansell. — Act I. A neat dark sack coat, vest and trousers ; 
light gray bicycle shirt ; light four in-hand tie ; neatly blackened shoes ; 
dark derby hat, carried in hand ; light wig and moustache. 

Act II. Scenes i and 2, same as Act I. Scene 4, same as Act I, 
without coat and hat. 



4 STRIFE. 

Acts III and IV. — Dress as per Act I. 

Horatio Squash. — Prince Albert coat ; light plaid trousers ; standing 
collar; white tie; rosebud in lapel of coat ; half-bald white wig, and 
white throat whiskers, 

Aristotle Thompkins. — Prince Albert coat; dark vest and trousers ; 
turn down collar ; light silk cravat ; half-bald gray-mixed wig ; side whis- 
kers and moustache of same color. 

Hans. — Acts I, III and IV. White vest and trousers ; white shirt and 
apron ; paper cap ; light crop wig. 

Act II. Scenes 3 and 4, same as Act I, with linen duster and light 
felt hat. 

Policeman. — Double-breasted blue coat, vest and trousers ; light hel- 
met, star and club, 

Julius. — Acts I, III and IV. Linen sack coat, vest and trousers ; 
percale shirt and collar ; negro wig. 

Act II. Scenes i and 3. Black cutaway coat ; light plaid trousers ; 
white vest ; silk hat ; light kid gloves ; standing collar ; broad red tie ; 
heavy gaudy watch chain ; fancy cane. Scene 4. Same, without hat. 

Neb. — Acts I and IV. Linen sack coat, dark vest and trousers ; per- 
cale shirt and collar, negro wig. 

Act II. Scene i. Bright, large-figured calico dress; broad summer 
hat with red trimmings ; red bow at throat ; immense high bustle ; fan 
attached at belt with red ribbon. 

Scenes 2 and 4. Same as in Act I, with soft felt hat. 

Scene 3. Dress as per Act I, with hat. Policeman's disguise over 
clothes — see description. 

Act III. Light checkered trousers; black cutaway coat and vest; 
white shirt; immense standing collar; cuffs; red tie. 

Laura. — Act I. A handsome tea gown. Blonde wig. 

Act II. Scene 2. A fashionable street dress ; kid gloves ; summer hat. 

Scene 4. White evening dress, trimmed with lace ; low neck, short 
sleeves ; jewelry. 

Act III. Black lace and amber dress. 

Act IV. A cream colored decollete reception gown, with train. 

Mrs. Hansell. — Act II. A plain black house dress ; iron gray wig. 

Act IV. Black street dress ; black bonnet and gloves ; heavy black veil. 

Dolly. — Acts I and IV. A plain light house dress ; white apron ; 
chestnut wig. 

Act III. Same as Act I, with the addition of a dusting cap. 

Mary. — Night dress ; light girlish wig. 

Mob. — Red, blue and gray flannel shirts ; sleeves partly rolled up ; 
shabby trousers ; rough boots ; hats of various textures, shapes and 
colors ; hands and faces begrimed ; general appearance repulsive. 

PROPERTY PLOT. 

Act I. — Furniture as per scene plot. Table cover. Call bell. Dish 
and cut flowers. Magazines. Vases for organ. Sheet music. Three 
rugs. Easels and paintings. Whip. Pistol. Dagger. 



STRIFE. § 

Act II. — Cane, Seven silver dollars. Handcuffs. Lamp. Bible. 
Pitcher, and one tumbler. Basket, $4.50 in silver. Stuffed billy. Money for 
Thomas, Coffee sack for Neb, Two bags of shavings for fagots. Coal 
oil barrel. Conflagration pot. Gun, Pistol. Coverlet for couch. Furni- 
ture as per scene plot. 

Act III. — Dust pan, brush and rag. Waiter. Two bottles of wine, 
(weak tea to represent wine) Three wine glasses. Three bottles for 
Julius, One demijohn. Cane. Bladder for Hans. 

Act IV.— Letter for Laura, Two putty blowers. Two bladders. 
Flour for Hans. Pistol, loaded, for Judge. Cleaver and gun. Letter for 
Hansell. Horse pistol for Julius. Dagger for Thomas. Pistol, loaded, 
for property man. 



STAGE SETTINGS. 
Acts I, III and IV. 




Act II — Scene 2. 




STRIFE. 

Act II — Scene 4. 



Street 



^miSeiHo. 



SCENE PLOT. 

Acts I, III and IV. 

Reception-room in Judge Buttons' mansion. Fancy chamber boxed in 
4 G., backed with hall or corridor backing in 5 G. Practicable door L. 2 
E. Practicable double or folding doors C, in flat. Table L. C, opposite 
L. I E., with chairs R. and L. of it. Another chair down R., and easy 
chair up r. C. Open cabinet organ, with stool, across R. 2 E. Sofa across 
extreme upper l. corner, leaving sufficient room for Neb to get behind 
sofa. Carpet down. Lights up. In Act IV the lights are to be lowered 
and flashed up at the prompter's signal. 

Act II. 

Scenes i and 3. — Street in i g. 

Scene 2. — Plain chamber in 3 o., backed with landscape in 4 c. Prac- 
ticable door R. F. Window L. F. Common square table R. c, with chairs 
R. and L. of it. Chair at L. 2 E. Couch up l. 

Scene 4. — A street in 5 g. Set house, with practicable door and steps, 
across R. 2 e. and r. 3 e. The scene on the flat represents a continuation 
of the street on which the house is situated. In the l. background are 
seen the blazing ruins of Judge Buttons' mill. Sky illumined. ■ Lights 
low throughout. 

STAGE DIRECTIONS. 

In observing, the player is supposed to face the audience. R. means 
right; L., left; c, centre; R. c, right of centre ; L. C, left of centre ; D. 
P., door in the flat or back scene; R. f., right side of the flat; L. F., left 
side of the flat; R. D., right door; L. D., left door; c. D., centre door; I 
e., first entrance ; 2 e., second entrance ; u. e., upper entrance ; i, 2 or 3 
g., first, second or third grooves ; Up Stage, toward the back ; Down 
Stage, toward the foot-lights. 

R- R. C. C. L.C. L. 



STRIFE. 



ACT I, 



Scene. — Reception-room in Judge Buttons* mansion, luxuriously 
furnished — table, covered, ivith call bell, books and cut flowers on 
it — vases of cut flowers on organ top — sheetmusic on rack — skin 
or Persian -rugs under table, at orga^i and at sofa — handso?ne 
paintings on easels around room — Julius kneeling with haiids 
clasped, down C, crying — Dolly standing over him, enraged, 
with uplifted riding whip — curtain rises to lively 7nusic. 

Julius, [sobbing) P-l-e-a-s-e don't! I'll n-e-b-b-e-r, ne b-b er ieW 
on yo' ag'in ! 

Dolly, {with wannth) Will you promise always to call me Miss 
Dolly hereafter? 

Julius. Yes — yes — mum. 

Dolly. And you pledge yourself never to listen again at the key- 
hole when Miss Laura and I are talking privately ? 

Julius. No, mum, dat I'll nebber do ag'in. 

Dolly. You won't repeat anything you hear to that Mr. Thomas? 
(Julius hesitates) You won't answer, eh ? [makes feint as though to 
strike Julius with whip) 

Julius, [quickly) No, no, mum, 'deed and double ' deed I 
won't ! 

Dolly. Swear it, then. 

Julius, [expostulating) Miss Dolly, I'se don't know how. Dis 
child nebber swore in his life. 

Dolly. What ! Do you forget what I heard you saying to Neb 
last night? Now I think it about time you were taught to have 
some regard for the truth, so prepare yourself for your first lesson. 
[starts to slightly roll up right sleeve, talking the while) Now say 
your prayers ! 

Julius. "Now I lay me down to sleep — '' [breaking off abruptly) 
Oh, Miss Dolly, I 'spects I can do it. It hab just cum to me. 



8 STRIFE. 

{slightly raises index finger of right hand and speaks solemnly) I'se 
swear nebber to tell nuthin' 

Dolly, {interrupting) Anything ! 

Julius, {quickly correcting himself) Anything dat I don't hear 

Dolly, {quickly) Do hear ! 

Julius. Do hear to dat Mr. Thomas, no matter what it am. 

Dolly. That will do. Now remember that oath and don't you 
ever let me catch you at any of your badness again, (going) for if 
you do, this will not be a circumstance to what you will receive 
next time. Exit C. D, ; takes whip with her. 

Julius, {rising and talking to audience) If eber she catches dis 
chile ag'in in such a ticklish situation as she did dis mornin', den 
I'se don't know hisself. She t'inks dat I took de oath, {laughs) 
but I didn't, kase yo' mus' kiss de Bible or hold up yo' hand dis 
way — {elevates right arm to fullest extent) to swear, an' I'se only 
raised dis finger, {chuckles to self) She can't git ahead ob dis son 
ob "Old Nick," as de Judge calls me. I jest 'spects dat Neb 
done went and laid Miss Laura's riding-whip on dat table [points 
to table, L.) on purpose. He's de meanest black niggar dat eber 
I seed, and Dolly is de wustest poor white trash ob a gal dat eber 
wus born. So I'se not to listen at de keyhole any more ? Nor 
tell Massa Thomas what I hear? We'll see ! As long as dat man 
treats me to dese fellahs {displays silver dollars) he can count on 
Julius' influence at de court whar de Judge presides. Dat Dolly 
'siders herself de boss of dis abode of Justice. (Dolly is seen softly 
entering C. D. , stands a motJtent near door, then quietly approaches 
back of Julius) She puts on more airs dan de Judge hisself {con- 
temptuously) Call her Miss ! I'll see her in Guinea fust. 

As Julius stops speaking, Dolly catches him by coat collar with her 
left hand, boxing him terrifically over ear with her right — Neb 
peeps in from C. D., and seems fairly wild with joy at Julius* pre- 
dicament. 

Dolly, {boxiftg him vigorously) So, you won't " miss'' me, eh? 

Julius, {ducking and trying to break away) Yes, I will ; 'deed 
I will, Miss Dolly. I wus no 'ferring to yo'. I meant dat Dolly 
who brings us de milk. Oh, Lor', Lor', what shall I do ? {dances 
and howls) 

Dolly, {still boxijig him) I guess you forgot some one else could 
listen at door cracks besides yourself. Take that, and that and 
that! 

Julius, {howls) Oh, oh, oh ! 

Dolly. Now then — {gives him an extra cuff and releases him) go 
and attend to your duties, {goes toward c. d. — Neb quickly disap- 
pears as he sees Dolly turn) and mind, don't you let me see you 
here when I return. 

Exit CD., zuith spirit, and slams it after her. 



STRIFE. 9 

Julius, [rubbing ears and wiping tears from eyes) Darn her pic- 
ture ! I'll paralyze her yet. 

Enter Neb, c. d, , stands near door. 

Neb. [affecting surprise) Why, Jule, what's de mattah? 

Julius. None ob yo' bis'ness, yo' mean, black niggah, yo' ! 

Neb. [assuming a threatening attitude) Who's yo's a-callin' a 
black niggah, hey ? Does yo' want me to knock de blackin' off 
ob dat ole skillet ob yourn ag'in ? 

Julius, [slightly recedes, speaks quickly) No, no ; but what fur 
yo' lebe dat ridin'-whip ob Miss Laura's in dis room ? 

Neb. [aside) Oh, ho, I see! [to Julius) Say, Jule, wus dat yo' 
I heard hollerin' so a moment ago? 

Julius. No, it wasn't ! 

Neb. Who wus it den ? 

Julius. I dunno. 

Neb. Wusn't Dolly a lickin' ob yo's? 

Julius, [affecting surprise) Dolly a-lickin' ob me ? I guess not, 
an' she'd better not try it, neider. 

Neb. Why, I seed her wid my own eyes. 

Julius. Whar wus yo' ? 

Neb. Lookin' at yo' thro' de door dar ! [points to C. D.) 

Julius. [co7ifidentially) I say, Neb, I'll gib yo' a pinter, if yo* 
kin keep it to yo'self. When anybody is a-]ickin' ob yo', jest hol- 
ler out Uke as if dey wus a murderin' ob yo' an' den yo'll not git 
hurt. 

Neb. [looks at him a moment) So dat is de way yo' does, am it? 

Julius. Ebbery time. 

Neb. Den yd wus a playin' 'possum an' I didn't hurt yo' last 
night when I lammed yo' in de boss trough, [advances angrily 
upon Julius who appears laieasy and slowly backs toward sofa) 

Julius, [alarmed) Yes, yo' did. I wus not 'ludin' to dat kind 
ob a lickin'. 

Neb. Yes, yo' wus too, an' now I 'tend to do yo' up brown. 
[strikes Julius who falls backzvard upon sofa; gets on top of him, 
and proceeds to pummel him lively ; protesting voices mingle) Don't 
yo' holler, kase if yo' do I'll murder yo'. [work scene up ivell) 

Julius, [trying to throiv Neb off) Don't, don't, Nebby, yo're a 
smotherin' ob me. Git off quick, I'se most dead. 

Judge, [c alii fig off, L. 2 e. ) Julius! Neb! You Julius ! 

Julius. Dar's Massa comin' in ! {^y.^ jumps up quickly and runs 
out c. Ti., followed by Julius — Neb closes door and prevents Julius, 
who is thoroughly frightened, from leaving the room — tries door and 
speaks beseeclmigly) Oh, Nebby, please let me out. (Neb opens 
door just wide enough to allow his grinning face to be seen, then 
closes it again) 

Judge, [calling off, l. 2 e.) You Juhus! You Neb! 



10 S7R/FE. 

Julius seems frantic with fear, tries door again, see?ns undecided, 
but finally darts behind sofa — Judge enters in a towering passion, 
D. L. 2 E., looks around room and goes to table. 

Judge. Not here either ! {taps call bell ajigrily several times in 
rapid succession, walks across front excitedly, talking — Julius 
watches hijnfrom behind sofa and appears immensely tickled) Con- 
found it ! Plague take these easy-going, iijdependent, infernal 
servants ! Here I have one for nearly every room in the house, 
yet they are never within calling distance when wanted, [taps bell 
viciously) Hang it ! I'd drown or murder in cold blood every 
mother's son of them, if I only dared. Why don't some one 
come ? I shall go frantic ! [goes to c. D,, and calls) Neb ! Julius ! 
Hans! Dolly! [returns to table talking, stands back of it ajid vig- 
orously plies bell) Just let me lay my hands on those black apes. 
(Julius' 'head is seen above sofa back, grinning) I'll make them 
remember this morning 'till their dying hour. (Julius comes from 
behind sofa and statids erect, C, appeara7ice of having just entered 
the rooni — The Judge, as bell stops tinging, passes arou7id\.. of table 
toward footlights) That ought to be sufficient to awaken and sum- 
mon the slumbering spirits of Hades. 

Julius, [innocence itself) Did yo' ring, sah ? 

Judge, [looks at him a moment, and then in a burst of passion) 
Did yo* ring, sah? Did yo' ring, sah? [starts for ]\2y.ws> who 
evades hiin) I'll wring your black neck for you when I lay my 
hands upon you. [as he reaches c. d., Neb enters hastily) 

Neb. [speaking as he enters^ Did yo' ring, sah ? (//?^ Judge turns 
furiously up07i Neb — they collide. Neb falls — Julius down r. ) 

Judge, [kicking the prostrate fo7'm of Neb who rolls over and over) 
Where have you been? I've been ringing the last hour and a 
half, [turns R., and stasis for Julius — Neb rises and goes down L.. 
limping and rubbing hi7nself—t.n\tx DoLLY, L. D., speaks the 
insta7it she enters) 

Dolly. Were you ringing, sir ? 

Judge. [upB..\ throws lip both hands with horror depicted upon 
countena7ice) Heaven preserve me ! [turns as though to leave room 
hurriedly) 

Enter Hans, hurriedly, c. D. 

Hans. Vas dot you ring — [seeing the JVBGE furiously adva7ici7ig 
up07i him, he turtis quickly to exit, but the JUDGE gives him a vio- 
lent kick as he leaves the rooni) 

Judge, [slightly advancing c, greatly excited, imitates Hans) 
Vos dot you ring? Goto the devil, every one of you ! (Dolly 
tosses head and exits, L. D., slai7i7ning it after her — Neb stands still 
— Julius starts c. d., but is halted just in fro7it of the ]\5TiGE by his 
commanding to7te) 



STRIFE. 1 1 

Judge, [to Julius) Where are you going ? 

Julius, [terribly frightened, trembles and stamtners) I wus goin' — 
comin' to de debbil. 

Judge, [grabs him and shakes him furiously) You were coming 
to the devil— to me, you black rascal, were you ! [cuff's him on 
ear and kicks him oi4t Q. D.; then walks down R. very excited /y) 
Was ever mortal so tried before, by a lot of block-headed servants ? 
I really hardly know whether I am myself or not. I'm in a pas- 
sion. I know I am, but how could one keep cool under such ex- 
asperating circumstances ? (^^^^ Neb) Neb! 

Neb. Sah! 

Judge. Who made my tea this morning ? 

Neb, Why, Hans, Massa. 

Judge. Go send him to me this instant. 

Neb. Yes, Massa. Exit C. D. 

Judge, [crossing to table, takes seat L.) My breakfast ruined ! A 
morning's pleasure destroyed ! My amiable disposition soured all 
on account of the incompetence, stupidity and indifference of my 
servants, who seem to run this house to suit their incHnations, 
while I— [bitterly) /enjoy the exquisite pleasure of paying them 
for the privilege ! 

Enter '^'EBfollozued by Hans who pauses at threshold, looks R. and 
L., but enters boldly when he perceives the position of the Judge — 
stands C, Neb by his R. 

Judge, [angrily to Hans) What did you do to my tea you made 
for breakfast ? 

Hans. Vot vos de matter mit dot tay ? 

Judge. I could not drink the vile stuff. Ugh ! It tasted hke a 
mixture of salts and senna. 

Hans. Dot tay vos goot. Dere vos noddings de matter mit it. 

Judge, [sternly) There ivas, I tell you. What do you mean by 
standing there and contradicting met Do you think me bereft of 
the sense of taste? Don't you suppose I am able to distinguish 
the difference in taste between tea and — and — good whiskey ? 

Hans. Any von dot knows you, knows dot ! 

Judge, [irritated) What do you mean ? Knows what? 

Hans. Dot you vos von good whiskey judge ! 

Judge, [picks up call bell) You infernal 

Neb. [quickly interrupting) Massa, I 'spects dat Hans got hold 
ob de senna caddy, 'stead ob de tea, an' dat sumbody put salt 
m de sugar bowl. I seed Julius a-meddlin' wid dose tings early dis 
mavvnin'. 

Judge. I suppose Julius' interference will account for the eggs 
being fried in sweet oil, and the gravy being seasoned with sugar 
and emery sand, too, will it? 



12 STRIFE; 

Hans, [efuphaiica/ly) Dot ^rrt?^^' vos all right. 

Judge, [nettled) How do you know? 

Hans. I tasted it mine self. 

Judge, {horrified) You tasted it? 

Hans. Yah. 

Judge. In what manner ? 

Hans. Mid de spoon. 

Judge. The one you were stirring it with ? 

Hans. Yah. 

Judge, [rising, speaks angrily) Have you the impudence to stand 
there and tell me that you taste articles of food intended for my 
table before sending them in? 

Neb. Why, Massa, all good cooks taste ebery t'ing 'fore sendin' 
dem in, to see if dey is all right. 

Judge, (/^ Neb) Hold your tongue, you imp of Satan! [ludi- 
crous attempt of '^K^ trying to literally hold his tongue — ]VTyG'E. goes 
back of table, Neb and Hans slowly backing) Get out of my sight, 
both of you, quick, or you will soon be fit subjects for an under- 
taker, [the Judge walks excitedly toward M^w— Hans and Neb 
frightened, break for c. D.; Neb trips and falls — Hans falls heavily 
upon him. Neb screams in abject terror ) 

Neb. Mercy, Massa, mercy! (Hans quickly springs to his feet, 
darts a startled look over his shoulder at the Judge and runs out c. 
D., followed by Neb — the Judge is excitedly pacing stage and 
does not notice the collision) 

Judge. What is the world coming to? To have one's food sam- 
pled — tasted — before it is set before him ! Ugh ! It is enough 
to irritate a saint, and make him sigh for a resting-place amid the 
suburbs of Paradise ! 

Enter Laura, l. d.; she stands a moment in astonishment, looking 
at the Judge. 

Laura. Why, what is the matter, sir? 

Judge, [cooling down) Nothing, my dear, that is, nothing of 
particular importance. I have just been trying to obtain a solu- 
tion of a mystery from my servants. But be seated, my dear. 
[places chair R. of table and occupies the one L — looks at her fondly) 
Your early rising, combined with your daily habit of riding is fast 
bringing back the roses to your cheeks. 

Laura. Do you really think so ? I am so glad, for you know 
how fond I am of your approbation. 

Judge, [aside) Yes, I know you are, you sly puss, [aloud) You 
are positively becoming pretty, I fear it will not be long ere some 
gallant knight will come along and want to carry off my treasure 
as his prize, 

Laura. Never fear on that score. I am too well satisfied to be 



STRIFE. 1 3 

with you, and love you too dearly to sever the pleasant relationship 
existing between us at present. 

Judge, [to audience, rubbing hands, and mantfesiing pleasure) 
She loves me ! {^elevates eyebrows) I have known it all along, 

Laura. You are the only father I ever knew and I am sure my 
own could not have been kinder to me than you have been. 

Judge. No doubt of it, no doubt of it, my child. 

Laura. There has not been a wish of mine you have left unsat- 
isfied thus far, and I feel at a loss how to testify my gratitude. 

Judge. Tut ! tut ! You must not think of such matters. I have 
only done my duty to my dying friend, your father, who left you 
in my care. Providence will yet open a way for you to attest 
your love, [aside) Now if I could only muster up courage I would 
propose to her right away. I know she would accept me, for she 
loves me I 

Laura. I sincerely trust so, and that I may not be found lacking 
in those noble attributes of woman, devotion and love. 

Judge, [aside) Now is your chance ! Oh, for a little of my boy- 
ish nerve ! [aloud, nenwusly) You say you love me ? 

Laura. Most devotedly. 

Judge, [aside) That's encouraging ! [aloud) Have always done 
so.^ 

Laura. Ever since I learned to talk and yoit taught me what 
love was. 

Judge, [aside— gleefully rubs hands) Better yet. [aloud) And 
that you will always continue to do so? 

Laura. As long as I live and retain your memory. 

Judge, [aside — smiling) Was ever man so blest before ? She 
literally forces a declaradon from me. [aloud] Will you never al- 
low another to usurp my position in your heart's affection? 

Laura, [firmly) Never! for it is too deeply imbedded therein. 

Judge, [aside, immensely tickled) Now, watch for her exhibition 
of gratitude and behold her lovely arms encircling her guardian's 
neck, while her melodious voice whispers, " I atn thine, forever I " 
[aloud, clears throat) Laura, I think it about time you were married. 

Laura, [rises and stands R. of table) Oh, please, sir, don't send 
me away from you just now ! 

Judge, [aside) She's mine beyond question ! [aloud) Who said 
anything about sending you away ? I mean you ought to be set- 
tled in life — provided with a husband. 

Laura, [nervously) But — but — 1 don't want to be married just yet. 

Judge, [aside) She thinks I don't know she's in love with me, 
and that I wish to banish her from my presence. Sly rogues, 
these young girls! [aloud — reassuringly) Of course not, there's 
.no hurry. But I thought it advisable to tell you, [fairly beams 
upon her) that I know some one who \q\q% you — fairly dotes upon 
you — and wants to marry you, too. 



14 STRIFE. 

Laura, [aside] Could Henry have been so unwise as to disclose 
his sentiments toward me? 

Judge. And you love him, too. [raises right hand in playful, 
'war7iing manner, smiling) Now don't attempt to deny it! 

Laura. How did you guess my secret? 

Judge, [laughing) Oh, you hinocent rogue ! I saw it in your 
eyes, [affectionately) You could not conceal it from me. 

Laura. You will consider what you have discovered in the light 
of confidence, won't you ? 

Judge. Oh, certainly, my dear. Until you are ready to name 
the wedding-day I shall not breathe a word of this to a living soul. 
I am so happy ! I wish I were a boy again and at liberty to give 
vent to my exuberance of spirits. 

Laura, [smiling) And I am so glad you approve of my choice, 
and that / have made you happy. 

Judge, [rising) You are a noble girl ! The very image of the 
one I have oft seen in my dreams, whom fate decreed should bless 
with her sweet smile my dechning years. When we are near 

Re-enter Neb c. d., followed by Henry Hansell. 

Neb. [bowing) A gem'man to see de Judge, [stands up R.) 

Laura, [to Judge) Excuse me, sir. With your permission I will 
retire, [goes to L. d., and glances at Hansell as she exits) 

Judge, [takes seat at table L. — a hard cold repulsive expression re- 
places the smiling tenderness of his features — Neb slips behind sofa 
as Hansell advances C. — Judge toys with bell but speaks sarcas- 
tically) To what am I indebted for the honor of this visit ? 

Hansell. The cause of humanity, sir. 

Judge. Meaning, I presume, that you have been sent as a com- 
mittee of one by the members of Celestial Union, No. 14, to pre- 
sent me with a testimonial extolling my many virtues and express- 
ive liberal warm-heartedness in being the instrument that has 
caused misery, pestilence and want to bloom where heretofore the 
flowers of health, happiness and plenty were wont to flourish ! 

Hansell. I am very sorry to find that you feel so bitterly toward 
your men. I had hoped that the breech was not so wide, but even 
yet it might be bridged over. 

Judge. Never ! The chasm is too wide and too deep for my 
men and myself to shake hands across. Either they or /must go 
down its yawning abyss. Only yesterday your committeemen told 
me / was starving their wives and little ones, and that /was ac- 
countable for rt// their sufferings the past six months. I have been 
branded as a bloated capitalist, accused of being devoid of feeling 
and a worthy subject for a hangman's knot. And for what? Be- 
cause competition and a dullness of trade prohibited me from ac- 
ceding to their demanded increase of wages. 



STRIFE. 1 5 

Hansell. But you forget that your men offered to return and re- 
sume work at their old wages. 

Judge. No, I do not. Neither do I forget that the season's 
trade was ruined before that kind offer was made me. Now that 
my men are out, they can remain there until they agree to my con- 
ditions and sign my articles. 

Hansell. [jvith zvarmth) That they will never do ! The death- 
knell of slavery was sounded years ago, and the chains of serfdom 
which fell clanging from the hmbs of their imprisoned victims, will 
ne'er re-echo through the realms of this free country, until the 
blue vault of heaven above us is rent in twain and the heart of 
man proves false to its own best interest ! 

Judge, {emphatically) Then, sir, my mill remains closed. 

Hansell. But, sir 

Judge, [interrupting) You have heard my final decision. En- 
treaties are useless. 

Hansell. Listen to me but one moment 

Judge. Not a word 

Hansell. [quickly) But you shall ! 

Judge, [rising quickly and speaking angrily) Do you dare ? 

Hansell. [quickly) Ay, I dare anything when the lives of human 
beings are in jeopardy. You do not understand the temper of 
your men, nor their vindictiveness, else you would be more reason- 
able. I came here to warn you that your hfe and property are 
in great danger. 

Judge. You were sent here to threaten me, you mean. 

Hansell. No, sir. I came of my own free will. Were my fel- 
low workmen aware of my mission here, my life would not be 
worth two straws. 

Judge, [significantly) So you risk your hfe in my behalf, do 
you .'' [sneerifigly) What a noble exhibition of heroism ! 

Hansell. When threats are openly made against the life and 
property of a fellow being, a man would disgrace his Maker did 
he refrain from warning him of his danger, even though he be his 
most bitter enemy. 

Judge, [sarcastically) Thank you, vay friend. I am deeply sen- 
sible of the debt of gratitude I owe you, and [sneeringly) also of 
the motives governing your actions. 

Hansell. I have done but my duty — less I could not do. I desire 
no ill to befall you 

Judge, [quickly interrupting aftd closely watching the effect of 
his words) Nor my ward and presumed heiress, Laura Bell ! 

Hansell. She has nothing to do with the case ! 

Judge. Hasn't she ? Do you expect me to believe that? 

Hansell. [with warmth) You are at liberty to believe what you 
please, and put whatever construction you see fit upon my 
motives, as long as /know them to be pure. « . 



l6 STRIFE. 

Judge. (ire7nbiing with passion) Hark ye, Mr. Highstrung Han- 
sell, I am aware of your presumptuous aspirations and secret 
intrigues for the heart and hand of my ^ard, but tuver, sir, never, 
shall site be the wife of a low born, arrogant, poverty-stricken 
wretch like yourself. 

Hansell. Poverty, sir, is no disgrace — and that reminds me — 
that the mantle of true gentlemanliness is more frequently found in 
the homes of the lowly of our land, than among the wealthy who 
dwell in gilded palaces. 

Judge, [goes slightly back of table) You forget, sir, where you 
ar'e and whom you are addressing. 

Hansell. [quickly) No, sir, I do not. 

Judge, [sneeringly) You are but a common mechanic 

Hansell. {^interrupting) And you? 

Judge. A wealthy, Qd\xc2i\e(\ getttle7nan/ 

Hansell. Nature draws no distinction between the two. 

Judge, [afftazed) What! Do you consider f??/?- social positions 
the same? You the offspring of >^zy.?//;/^j-, and /the descendant of 
culture, refinement and wealth ? 

Hansell. In the eyes of Nature all men are born equal, die 
equal and have a common hereafter. 

Judge, [slightly adzuuices toward Hansell, laboring under ex- 
citement ; speaks significantly) In the eyes of Nature some men are 
born fools, while othe?'s make fools of themselves. 

Hansell. [significantly) Equally is it that the cloak of wealth, 
culture and refinement is oft used as a disguise to conceal the 
mean, grasping, unrelenting disposition of the being it envelopes ! 

Judge, [in a passio7i) Get out of my house, this instant ; your 
language and insinuations are unbearable, sir ! (Hansell hesitates \ 
Judge points to C. d. as he advances) Go, and don't you enter my 
house again, unless I send for you ! (exit Hansell c. d. ) His 
manner and language was offensive, very offensive, yet — [thought- 
fully — soft music) his independence of spirit I cannot help admir- 
ing, while his appearance suggested a superior order of being. 
Of whom does he remind me ? Features, spirit, address, all sug- 
gest some familiar one of the dim past. When e'er I see him, his 
vision haunts me for days and racks my brain with conflicting 
emotions, as the barriers of the Past are torn down and their scenes 
re-enacted. Oh, for the power to obliterate from memory the 
scenes of my younger days! [assumes naturahiess) But why allow 
the vision of 3. mere mechanic to distract me ? 'Tis childish ! I 
will order some wine and dispel these unpleasant thoughts, [music 
ceases — starts for table l. ) 

Re-enter Julius l. d., followed by Thomas. 

Julius. Mr. Thomas to see yo,' sah. [bows and exits L. D.) 



STRIFE. ly 

Judge, [^pieasantly') Good morning, Mr. Thomas, good morning, 
sir. [shakes hand and offers him a seat R. ) I am happy to see you. 
Take a seat. 

Thomas. Thank you. I suppose you are aware of my object in 
visiting you this morning, as you received my note last evening.? 

Judge, [seated at table) Yes, sir, and I assure you I appreciate 
your meditated honor — but 

Thomas, [quickly) I hope you will raise no objection to my hon- 
orable proposition. I am aware you have known me but a short 
time, yet my letters of introduction 

Judge. [i7iterrupting) Were all right. I have no objection* to 
your paying attentions to my ward — none at all, and if you win 
her heart I will gladly give my consent to your union — only 

Thomas. Only what? 

Judge, [pauses) Only I consider your case hopeless. 

Thomas. Why? 

Judge. I have every reason for thinking her affections are 
centered upon another. 

Thomas, [eagerly) Whom ? 

Judge, [smiling) Well — really — I — I — you must excuse me. I 
am not at liberty to tell you. 

Thomas. There must be a mistake. I really can't believe it ! 
Can I see Miss Bell? 

Judge, [rising) Certainly, and if you will excuse me, I will call 
her myself. Exit, L. d. 

Thomas, [rises, comes R. C.) I cannot believe the Judge is right 
in his suspicion, or else Laura is a most consummate coquette ! 
[thoughtful ly) I wonder who it is the Judge thinks has won her 
affections. 

Re-enter Hansell, C. d. — speaks as he enters. 

Hansel!. Judge, I — [starts as he perceives Thomas) I beg your 
pardon, I thought j^« were the Judge ! 

Thomas, [aside) Here may be a solution of the mystery, [to 
Hansell ; speaks as he advances) So we have met at last, in spite 
of your artful dodging ! 

Hansell, I do not understand you. 

Thomas. Don' t you ? What business have you to enter this room 
as though you were lord and master here ? 

Hansell. That is an affair of my own and does not concern you. 

Thomas, [at Hansell's R. side) Don't it though ? Perhaps you 
pretend not to recognize me ? 

Hansell. [zuith dignity) Truly can I answer, / do not ! 

Thomas. And in doing it, you add another falsehood to your 
already long category of sins. 

Hansell. [angrily) You lie ! 



1 8 ' STRIFE. 

Thomas. What's that? 

Hansen. I presume you understood me, I spoke plainly enough. 

Thomas, {anorily) Yes, too plainly— take that, {slaps Han- 
SELL's/?a') and let it be a warning to you to be more choice in the 
selection of epithets in the future, when you address 2i gentleman. 

Hansen, {restraining his passion) Agentletnan, sir, would disdain 
to abuse the hospitality of his host and be guilty of _;j/^^^r contemp- 
tible action. I shall not attempt to resent it here. 

Thomas, {sneeringly) No ! nor anywhere else, you cowardly 
cur. 

iiansell. We shall meet again where the courtesies of society do 
not prohibit a man from resenting an insult. 

Thomas, [coolly) As you please ; I waive all rights. Let it be 
shotguns at ten paces, pistols at five, or knives face to face. It is 
all the same to me. 

Hansen. You shall hear from me in a few days. 

Thomas. The sooner, the better. Now I wish to know whether 
the rumor be true, that you aspire to be the husband of Miss 
Bell. 

Hansen. I decline to answer your impertinent question. 

Thomas, {angrily) I demand an answer! 

Hansen, {coolly) You do, eh? Pray, upon what grounds? 

Thomas. That if you refuse, I'll reveal to the Judge and Miss 
Bell 

Hansen, {quickly ifiterruptittg) You are then 

Thomas. The gentleman who knows a chapter of your past that 
would not be well for you to have related to the Judge and Miss 
Bell. 

Hansen, {quickly) You surely would not attempt to injure me— 

Thomas. {i?iterrupting) Build not a castle of hopes upon my 
generosity. 

Hansen, {bitterly) No fear of that. I know you too well ever to 
expect anything at your hands, but treachery and deceit. 

Thomas, {adva^icing, enraged) What's that? 

Hansen, {threateningly) Be careful ! Don't attempt to repeat 
your insult, or /may forget where /am and resent it. 

Thomas. Do you refuse to answer my question ? 

Hansen. I do ! 

Thomas, {down R. Hansell c.) Then I'll reveal to the Judge 
your true character. 

Hansen. Well? 

Thomas. Communicate to Miss Bell your crime. 

Hansen. No doubt of it ! 

Thomas. Publish to the world the perjury committed by your 
sister and 

Hansell. {passionately) Stop ! Don't you dare cast reflections 
upon my mother and sister. 



STRIFE. 



19 



Thomas, [qidckly] You know what they did, and I will. 

Hansell. [iviih pcnuer) No, you won't, not while I am Uving to 
protect them. They swore to what they considered to be true, 
v^\\\\q. you tried to place a halter around an innocent man's neck. 

Thomas. 'Tis false ! 

Hansell. It is true, and you will yet suffer iox your ioWy , 

Thomas, {slightly agitated) What do you mean } 

Hansell. [watclmtg him) Ah, you tremble ! 

Thomas. Not ixovafear — but passion — that you 

Hansell. [quickly) The guilty are always fearful lest their crimes 
be found out. 

Thomas, (passionately) Dare you accuse jne of crime? I, whose, 
tender mercy helped save you from a felon's just doom? [draws 

dagger from waist and rushes at Hanseli Neb's eyes open wide 

with fright) Son of a perjured mother, I'll 

Hansell. [quickly drajvs revolver from hip pocket and presenting 
it, halts Thomas) You scoundrel, don't you attempt it. [advances 
threatingly) Down on your knees and swear you lie when you 
accuse tny mother of perjury. (Thomas hesitates) Down, or by the 
memory of my mother, I swear I'll kill you! Down! down! 
down ! (Thomas drops knife, a7td falling to knees conceals it) Swear 
it, you cowardly libel of humanity ! Swear it ! {doors L. afid c, 
are throivn open: enter JUDGE rt;/c/LAURA L.; Dolly, Julius and 
Hans c; Neb standing back of sofa— all form circle with amaze- 
?nent depicted upon their countenances) 

Thomas, [kneeling, with uplifted right hand) I swear it I 

QUICK DROP. 



ACT II. 

Scene I. — A street in l G — time flight — curtain rises to lively music. 

Enter Julius, l.; general make-up dudish ; crosses R., then returns 
and stands at extrejne L. ; talks as he walks. 

Julius. Well, I guess I'se done up fine 'nough to please de taste 
ob eben Malinda Aramintha, Dat gal am so proud an' stuck up 
datshe nebber steps out ob doors when de sun or moon am shinin' 
for fear dat she'll fall in lub wid her own shadder an' disgrace 
herself, [examines himself) Say, dese am mighty fine clothes. 
Dar's not anoder coon in dis town dat kin 'ford a rig like dis. I 
'spect all de gals will be fussin' fur me. [laughs) Neb, he wanted 
fur to walk out wid me dis ebening, kase he knowed I 'tended to 



20 STRIFE. 

tackle de ice cream, but dis chile am 'shamed to be seen in de 
street wid him ; he's a common niggah ! [contemptuously] an' 
can't 'ford to dress. He don't know how to raise dese fellers. 
[displays a hand/ui of silver dollars) Dat niggah am a tryin' to 
play sharp on dis child all de time, but he can't pick my pocket, 
kase I alius totes my money in de bank, [slaps pants pocket and 
puts money in right vest pocket) He's got to get up early when he 
cotches me a-sleepin' wid both eyes shut! [looks off k.) Fo' de 
land sakes, who am dat a comin' ? Whew, but she am dressed 
scrumptious ! [tidys himself) I 'spect she'll die right off [laughs) 
as soon as she sees dese clo's. 

Enter Neb, r., disguised as a woman; stands R. 

Neb. [fa7is himself, coyly, aside) A culled Adonis ! 

Julius, [admiringly, aside) De Queen ob Sheba! 

Neb. [aside) Oh, dear, I wish he would say sumfin'. 

Julius, [aside) I'll try de 'feet ob my new rig. [advances^ 
raises hat and bows) 'Scuse me for 'suming to 'dress de beauteous 
luminary orb dat shines so brightly afore me, but 'pears ter me 
dat yo'r lubly self has considered de condescentin' ob yo'r 'quaint- 
ance 'pon me afore. 

Neb. [aside) He don't know me. [aloud] I wus just cognatin' 
wid myself whar'bouts I had de felicitous pleasure of meetin' yo', 
sah. May I 'quire de name ob de gem'man } 

Julius. Sartinly, miss, Julius Caesar Augustus Thomas Jefferson 
Crobar, Esq. 

Neb. [coquettishly] Thank yo*. Well, Jule — may I call yo' Jule 
for short ? 

Julius. Call me anything yo' like, [aside, tickled) She's a goner. 

Neb. [edging toward Jvhius) Don't yo' think it am berry warm ? 

Julius, [approaching ) It am so. 

Neb. [close] Dis wedder am so tiresome ! [leans against JVLivs) 

Julius. [d?-acing himself ) Dat am true, [smiles) 

Neb. I wish I could rest somewhar. [drops fan and works right 
hand toward ]\}1l.i\]sI vest pocket) 

Julius, [putting right af7n around Neb) I'se at yo'r sarvice. 

Neb. Oh, thank yo', yo' am so kind an' gem'manly. [looks at 
Julius lovingly) 

Julius. Am yo' satisfied now ? 

Neb. [takijtg jnoney from ]w\A\5'S>' pocket) Puffec'ly ! 

Julius, [smilitig] And happy ? 

Neb. Yes, wus nebber more so. [continues removing money un- 
til Julius' pocket is empty ; places mojiey in left hand— audience 
must see ///^/—Julius seems carried aiv ay with joy] 

Julius. Say, does anybody keep yo' reg'lar company ? 

Neb. No. 



STRIFE. 21 

Julius. Dat am good, [doubtfully) Maybe you don't want any, 
eh ? [gives Neb rt playful squeeze') 

Neb. [springing quickly I.,, screams — Julius sways but recovers 
himself) Oh! 

Julius, [afuazed) Wot' s de matter ? 

Neb. [angrily) Yo's a mean niggah to tickle me. 

Julius, [coaxingly) Now don't git mad. I didn't mean to. Let's 
go and git some ice cream. 

Neb. I'll hab nuffin more to do wid you ; go an' get your own 
ice cream. Yo's insultin', dat's wat yo' am. 

Julius. I didn't mean to 'fend you. Come, an' I treat yo' to 
ebbery t'ing yo' wants. I'se got loads ob money, just see. [puts 
hand in vest pocket ; seems puzzled ; searches trousers pocket ; looks 
a moment in bewilderi7ie7it at Neb ivho is slowly walking L.) Hold 
on dar, yo' black huzzy ! Yo's picked my pocket. 

Neb. [turnijig angrily) Who am yo' 'ludin' to, an' 'cusing ob 
stealin' ? 

Julius, [excitedly) Yo' ! Gib me my money, or I'll call de per- 
lice, and hab yo' 'rested. 

Neb. Gib yo' back what money ? 

Julius. De money you stole frum me. 

Neb. [advances atid speaks significa?itly) Stole frum you? 

Julius. Yes, took frum my pocket. 

Neb. Look heah, Mr. Niggah, do yo' know who yo's a talkin' 
to.? 

Julius. Yes, I do, and if yo' don't hand ober dat money, I'll 
bust your old cocoanut fur yo'. [holds cane aloft) 

Neb. [threateningly) Yo' will, will yo' ? Take that ! [strikes Jul- 
ius and knocks him down — quickly removing hat and wig, he 
changes silver dollars fro7ti left to right hand, one at a time, exclaim^ 
ing) Julius Caesar Augustus Thomas Jefferson Crobar, Esq.^ 
[slwxkes mo7tey at him) Good ebening. I'll buy my own ice creaiji. 
[gathering dress in hajtd, runs off R. — Julius springs to feet, picks 
up hat and cane quickly, talking) 

Julius. De blamed black niggah, he'll nebber fool me ag'in. I 
hope dat ice cream will choke him ; if it don't, I will, sartin' and 
sure, [run off, R.) 

Enter OFFICER with Hansell, handcuffed, L.; at same instant en- 
ter Thomas R. — as they pass, a look of mutual hatred passes be- 
tween Hansell and Thomas — as Thomas reaches l., he stops 
and whistles softly — Officer and Hansell turn — Thomas ap- 
proaches, calls Officer aside. 

Thomas, [places coin in Ofyicek's hand) I would like to have 
a few moment's private conversation whh that man. [pointing to 



22 STRIFE. 

Hansell) Will you step aside and leave us alone for five min- 
utes ? 

Officer. {looking at coin ; hesitates) I — don't know — that — lean 
trust you 

Thomas, {handing him another coin) Perhaps that will help you 
decide. 

Officer, [examing coin) Think of my responsibility, were he 
to escape 

Thomas. No danger of that, T assure you. You know me too 
well to suppose / would lend him assistance to effect that. How- 
ever, if you have any fears for the safety of your prisoner, or 
apprehension in regard to yourself-^this {adding another coin) will 
no doubt dispel them. 

Officer, {doming) Thank you, I will step aside, but, mark me, 
{smi/es) I shall keep a strict watch upon you both, {crosses to 
Hansell) Remain here a moment while I speak to Coons over 
there, {points toward and exits R. ) 

Thomas, {crosses to Hansell) I am sorry, Hansell, to see you 
publicly disgraced. 

Hansell. Your sympathy is not desired, and it is as insultittg as 
it is uncalled for. 

Thomas. Believe me, Hansell, your arrest was not made at my 
instigation. My wishes were not consulted The Judge, whose 
guest I was, took the whole matter into his own hands, and made 
7ny quarrel, his own. 

Hansell. Quite likely ! 

Thomas. You doubt me ? 

Hansell. I do, and ever shall ! 

Thomas. You speak bitterly ; yet I bear you no malice, and 
shall even yet try to aid you. I presume you are on your way to 
the magistrate's office for a hearing ? 

Hansell. I am. 

Thomas. As the evidence now stands, what do you expect ? 

Hansell. The full penalty of the law. 

Thomas. Suppose a way were to be opened up whereby you 
could be acquitted of the charge preferred against you, what 
would you do ? 

Hansell. That would depend upon circumstances, and to whom 
I would be indebted. 

Thomas. Suppose I were to perform that act of kindness. 

Hansell. {quickly) You? 

Thomas. Yes, /. 

Hansell. How? 

Thomas. Listen. The Judge and his househould were witnesses 
of your deadly assault upon me, yet they know absolutely noth- 
ing of what provoked it. Suppose, on the witness stand, I deny 



STRIFE. 23 

what you will allege, that you acted in self-defense, what proof 
have you to sustain you ? 

Hansell. The kjiife you dropped when thwarted by me ! 

Thomas, No one saw that knife but yourself. When I fell, the 
skirt of my coat concealed it, and when I rose that tell-tale evi- 
dence was missing. 

Hansell. Then indeed is my case hopeless ! 

Thomas. Just so, unless I aid you. Suppose I sustain your 
evidence by acknowledging /was the aggressive party 

Hansell. Well? 

Thomas. What will you do? ^ 

Hansell. Thank you for being honest enough once in your life to 
tell the truth ! 

Thomas. Be careful, Hansell, and remember you are in my 
power. 

Hansell. I realize my position thoroughly. Upon what condi- 
tions do you propose to tell the truth ? 

Thomas. That you cease your attentions to Miss Bell, and use 
your influence with her in my behalf. 

Hansell. Then I am to purchase my liberty at the expense of my 
heart's sufferings ? 

Thomas. If you so consider it, yes. 

Hansell. [sneeringly) Your kindtiess is indeed affecting ! 

Thomas. I cannot help it, it's my nature, you know. 

Hansell. Well, sir 

Thomas, [interrupting) Before you decide, weigh well your 
answer. 

Hansell. I have. 

Thomas. Think of your mother and sister. 

Hansell. They are ever present in my thoughts. 

Thomas. The privations and sufferings they must endure if the 
means of their support is cut off by your imprisonment 

Hansell. I have. 

Thomas. And your answer ? 

Hansell. Were I relieved of these irons, I would throttle you un- 
til your lying, deceitful tongue were stilled in the embrace of 
death. 

Thomas, {advancing in a passion, with uplifted fist) You insult- 
ing, ungrateful cur, I'll 

Hansell. Strike! Now your true nature is asserting itself, [speaks 
vehemently) Sooner than obtain freedom on your conditions and 
be under obhgations \.o you, I would see my loved ones consigned 
to pauperism, and myself \n the toils of starvation. 

Thomas, [passionately) Go to your doom then. I am dphe with 
you. 

Re-enter Officer, r. 



24 STRIFE. 

Officer, {taking Hansell by arm) Come, time's up. 

Exeunt, R. 
Thomas, {following) Lead on ! I follow to j'^rt;/ his fate. *,| 

Exit, R. — scene changes to 

Scene II. — Home of Mrs. Hansell — table r. 2 e. with lighted 
lamp, pitcher of water, glass and open old family Bible on it — 
Mrs. Hansell seated at table — yih.^Y lying on couch — softmusic. 

Mrs. H. {closhig Bible) I wish this cruel suspense were over and 
I knew what to expect. That Henry would attempt to take a fel- 
low-being's life in other than self-defense, I cannot beheve. The 
magistrate must beheve what Henry says is true, even if the evi- 
dence of others contradicts his. If I were only permitted to be 
present at his hearing, to encourage him and let him know that 
there was at least one near him who believed what he said ! 
But, vain regret ! How long, oh, how long must the shadow con- 
tinue to mock the substance ! Would it not be better to throw off 
the mask and reveal 

Mary, {interrupting) Mrs. Hansell. 

Mrs. H. {rises, and approaches bed) "What is it, darling? 

Mary. Please give me a drink. 

Mrs. H. {goi7ig to table) Certainly, my dear, [fil Is glass and re- 
turns to bed ; raises Mary with right arm, and gives her water) 
Are you feeling better, now ? 

Mary. Yes, ma'am, thank you. 

Mrs. H. You must try to go to sleep again. 

Mary. Where is papa ? 

Mrs. H. He went out a few moments ago. 

Mary. Will he be in again soon ? 

Mrs. H. I hope so, dear. 

Mary, {half rises, leans on elbow) I wish he were here. I had 
such a horrid dream about him, 1 thought he was with a lot of bad 
men who were setting fire to houses and burning them up. Oh, 
dear, 1 wish he were here ! 

Mrs. H. Don't worry, Mary ; lie down and go to sleep, and per- 
haps your next dream will be a pleasant one. (Mary restimes for- 
mer position) Papa will soon be in again, I hope, {goes to table) I, 
too, wish he were here. Henry feared this morning that night 
would usher in a reign of arson and terror. The mill hands have 
become desperate and beyond control, but I hope and pray no 
violence may be done to man or property, {knock at door) Come 
in. 

Enter Laura hastily ; she glances — back at door and seems startled 
— goes to yiKS. 'i:iA.l>iSELLls side — music stops. 

Laura. May I remain here a few moments, Mrs. Hansell? {ap- 
pears neri'ous) 



STRIFE. 25 

Mrs. H. {rising) Certainly, my child. Why, what has alarmed 
you ? 

Laura. I was being followed by some vicious looking men, who 
appeared bereft of reason. 

Mrs. H. {astonished) " Followed by men who seemed bereft of 
reason ! " Why, Laura, what do you mean! 

< Laura. Just what I said. They hooted at me, taunted me 
about my " fine clothing," "jaunty airs," and "proud carriage," 
and said that before the sun rose to-morrow /would know what 
it was to be homeless. 

Mrs. H. What caused them to follow you ? 

Laura. I know not. They were standing on the corner, and as 
I passed through their midst some one called out " There goes the 
Judge's treasure," and then they all laughed, After I had gone a 
few steps I noticed that they were following me. As I quickened 
my pace so did they, keeping up a running exchange of the 
most brutal expressions I ever heard. Seeking to escape them, I 
thought of you and hastened here, knowing you would shelter me 
until all danger was past. 

Mrs. H. Certainly I will. 

Laura. I never knew we had so many vicious looking m.en in 
our town as I saw on the streets to-night. The corners were lined 
with them and all seemed to be laboring under the most intense 
excitement. I fear there is trouble ahead for. some one. 

Mrs. H. {aside) And /fear so, too. {aloud) What were you do- 
ing in the street at this hour, unattended ? 

Laura. I was just returning from your son's examination. I 
was summoned as a witness. You know I saw the {cotitemptuously) 
assault. 

Mrs. H. {anxiously) Yes, but you don't really think Henry in- 
tended to kill Mr. Thomas, do you ? 

Laura, {with spirit) I cannot say, but if he did, I know he would 
\i2LV^ just cause for the act. 

Mrs. H. {eagerly) Why? 

Laura, {quickly) Because he is too noble — too good — to be 
guilty of — {embarrassed) Oh, Mrs. Hansell, please excuse me, I 
did not mean to — Oh, what have I done ? 

Mrs. H. {quickly) Filled my heart with joy unspeakable to know 
that there is another who considers my son incapable of being in- 
fluenced by the motives that govern the average man's action. 

Laura, {sees bed) Oh, Mrs. Hansell, whom have you there? 
{pointing to bed) 

Mrs. H. Joe Harris's child. Poor Joe was turned out of his 
house to-day, because he was unable to pay his rent, and he sought 
temporary shelter here for his sick child. These are terrible times 
for the poor. Miss Laura. No work and no near prospect of any ! 



26 STRIFE. 

Laura. I know it. I do wish the Judge would re-open his mill. I 
have pleaded with him again and again, but all to no purpose. 

Mrs. H. I fear if he does not soon relent he will regret his action, 
for Henry told me — {abruptly, with earnestness) Oh, Miss Laura, 
tell me, do you think there is a possibility of Henry's being able to 
clear himself of the charges preferred against him ? 

Laura. I — [hesitates) 

Mrs. H. {grasping her by arm) Tell me the truth ! 

Laura, [sadly) No, I fear not, for the testimony of Mr. Thomas, 
the Judge, our servants and iny own was all against him. I did 
not wait to hear what his plea was, but left as soon as I was 
released from duty. (Mrs. Hansell seems distressed) But no 
matter, Mrs. Hansell, what occurs, you need have no uneasiness 
as to your ivXwx^, for as long as I have a dollar in this world to call 
my own, it shall be shared with you. 

Mrs. H. Noble girl ! I thank you for this proof of your love 
and generosity, but it was not of myself I was thinking, it was 
Henry's sufterings. 

Laura. Let us hope for the best, trust in " Him who never for- 
sakes," and do our duty. May I inquire why you were not pres- 
ent this evening to cheer and comfort your son? I was somewhat 
surprised at your absence. 

Mrs. H. [distressed) I cannot tell you. My only excuse must 
be my aversion to appearing in pubHc. 

Laura. Pardon me, if I distress you, but may I inquire why you 
are so closely veiled whenever you appear on the street? 

Mrs. H. [appears agitated) No, no, my child, you must not 
ask ; it is a mere whim — a fancy of mine contracted long, long 
ago, which still clings to me. Ask not the grave to give up its 
dead ! Ah, but it does, of its own free will, too ! Its hideous 
spectral forms, unmasked, stalk forth, chilling the sunbeams and 
blasting hfe's sweetest blessings. How much longer must I bear 
this torture? (Laura approaches and lays her hand upoti Mrs. 
Hansell' s shoulder) 

Laura, [soothingly) There, there, Mrs. Hansell, I am sorry my 
rudeness awakened unpleasant memories ; let — [the door is opened 
quickly and Neb bounds in, unnoticed by Mrs. Hansell and 
Laura) 

Neb. [swinging hat and manifesting great joy) Hurrah! (Mrs. 
Hansell and Laura scream — Mary, startled, rises ofi left elbow) 
Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! [twirls roimd oti heel and seems de- 
f?iefited) 

Laura, [commandingly) What do you mean, Neb, by entering 
here so abruptly, and yelling as though you were crazy? See — 
[points to Mary) You have roused that poor sick child from her 
slumbers and frightened her terribly. 

Neb. [joyously) I can't help it. Miss Laura. By golly, if I don't 



STRIFE. 27 

holler, I'll bust. I'se feel so happy an' good, dat I could jine 
meeting widout any preparation whatsumeber. [goes to bed 
abruptly) Say, little one, yo' must 'scuse me if I skeered yo', kase 
I didn't mean to. I didn't know you wus sick, {with energy) Yo' 
must hurry up an' git well, an' I'll buy you lots ob t'ings, see if 
I don't, [throws hat on floor and kicks it up stage) Whoop! I 
'spects, Miss Laura, yo'd better be a gvvine home, fur de Judge 
wus all fired mad when he found you had left afore him. [goes 
to hat, takes it on toe of shoe, tosses it up and catches it, laughing to 
himself) 

Laura. What is the matter with you, Neb, are you crazy ? 

Neb. [grinning) Really, Miss Laura, I dunno ; 'spects I is, or 
nigh about dat. De fact is — [suddenly to Mrs. Hansell) I 'clar 
to goodness, I forgot to tell yo', mum, what I ran all de way here 
fur. Massa Henry am cl'ared, gone free ! 

Mrs. H. [sinking to chair) Thank Heaven ! 

Laura, [eagerly'^at Mrs. Hansell's l. side ; Neb, l. 2 e.) Who 
told you ? 

Neb. Nobody told me. /sot him free ! 

Laura, [amazed) You set him free } 

Neb. Dat am a fact, sure. 

Laura. How ? 

Neb. By my ev'dence 'roberating de testimony ob de pris'ner. 
Dat's wat de mag'strate said. 

Laura. Your evidence I Why, what did you know about the 
case? You were not in the house when the trouble occurred. I 
had sent you for some lemons. 

Neb. 'Sidering de sarvice I'se rendered justice, I hope. Miss 
Laura, yo'U 'scuse me, but I forgot all 'bout dem lemons. 

Laura. Then you 7vere in the house, after all ? 

Neb. Yes, mum, my ev'dence proved dat fo' sure. 

Laura. Where ? 

Neb. In de 'ception-room. 

Laura, [looking at hitn se arc hingly) Neb! 

Neb. Mum. 

Laura. Are you telling the truth ? 

Neb. [rolling his eyes) I 'clare, Miss Laura, yo'r 'spicions am 
unjust. 

Laura. I am sorry. Neb, that circumstances justify them. I 
did not %QQ: you in the reception-room when I entered it, nor while, 
I remained there. I cannot believe you were present. 

Neb. But I wus, tho', all de same. 

Laura. Where were you then ? 

Neb. Behind de sofa. 

Laura, [surprised) Behind the sofa ! 

Neb. Yes, mum. 

Laura. What were you doing there ? 



28 STRIFE. 

Neb. Layin' low for dat black Julius, an' if I had kotched him 
'bout dat time, he'd seed shootin' stars for sartin. Yo' see he — 

Laura. [mtermpHng) Yes, yes, you can tell me another time 
what he did. I want to know 

Neb. [inierriipiing] Yo' wants to know what I seed? Well, I'll 
tell yo'. [talks rapidly) Arter de Judge an' Massa Henry done 
been talking a while dey got to sassin' one anoder. Massa Henry 
was spunky, an' de way he sassed de Judge 'twas wond'ful. Soon 
de Judge he got mad an' ordered Massa Henry out de house. I 
jest wish you could a seed de Judge ; he swelled out 'till he most 
filled de room, [laifglis] By golly, I 'spected ebbery minnit to see 
him bust! Den in comes Mr. Thomas; an' de Judge an' him 
talks a few minnits 'bout you — [^abruptly) Say, do yo' know dat 
feller 'tends to lub yo', but {chuckles) I 'spects he'd better switch 
off ob de main line an' lay ober, for when de bull-gine comes a 
thundenn* along wid Massa Henry as de eng'neer, I 'spects to 
see yo' step aboard his train, eh? 

Laura, [quickly interrupting and looking anxiously at Mks. Han- 
sell) Hush ! hush ! 

Neb. [resimiing narrative) Soon de Judge leaves de room to 
call yo', when back comes Massa Henry. He an' old Thomas 
flare up as soon as dey seed one anoder, hke two fightin' roosters. 
Massa Henry was slow to come to time, so Mr. Thomas got in de 
fust lick — a slappin' blow on Massa Henry's cheek — an' called 
him a coward an* a lot ob sich mean names. I 'spected ebbery 
minnit to see Massa Henry rise right up an' wipe up de floor wid 
him ; but he didn't, he kept cool an' made 'rangements right dar 
to fit Mr. Thomas in a few days wid shot guns, pistols an' knives. 
I'se gwine to be on hand when dat comes off! 

Mrs. H. [alarmed) You do not mean there is to be a duel be- 
tween them, do you ? 

Neb. I dunno, but I guess dat's what dey meant. Arter de 
'rangements, dey took breff, den dey began calhn' each odder 
names right. Mr. Thomas started fur Massa Henry ag'in, but he 
wus ready fur him dis time, so Thomas he skeered. Den he com- 
menced callin' yo', [to Mrs. Hansell) mum, names. Den yo' — 
[enthusiastically) ought to seed Massa Henry. He rose taller' n 
de stove pipe, his eyes spread out like saucers, an' looked like 
two red hot furnaces, his fists swelled up till dey wus as big as 
mountains. Thomas wus no whar, so he pulls out a knife so long 
[extends hands apart, suiting action to each word) rushes at Massa 
Henry who draws a shootin' iron, an' made Mr. Thomas swear 
dat what he said 'bout yo', mum, [to Mrs. Hansell) wus a lie. 
[rubbing hands) Jiminy crickitees ! it wus better' n a play, [tosses 
hat in air and laughs to himself) 

Laura. So, then, your testimony proved Mr. Hansell's plea of 
self-defense ? 



STRIFE. 29 

Enter Hansell, unperceived, except by Neb ; approaches softly 
toward Mrs. Hansell, shaking finger warnmgly at Neb. 

Neb. [seejtts tickled) Dat's it, exactly. 

Mrs. H. Where is Henry? 

Hansell. [at back of chair) Here, mother, [lays hand on her 
shoulder) Sit still, do not rise, please, [bows to Laura) Excuse me, 
Miss Bell, for presuming to advise you, but the sooner ^ow reach 
your home, the less will be the danger you run of being seen on 
the streets. Neb, there, who has proved himself a /m«^ to me, 
will afford you ample protection. 

Mrs. H. Henry, don't you \\\\vik you had better accompany Miss 
Bell ? She was compelled to seek shelter here but a short time 
ago, to escape a crowd of men who were following her. 

Hansell. I cannot. It is impossible. My services are needed 
elsewhere this very moment. There is not a possibility of Miss 
Bell's meeting any one between here and her residence, provided 
she^leaves at once, [speaks rapidly) 

Laura. 1 will follow your advice. Good-night, Mrs. Hansell, I 
thank you for your kindness. Come, Neb. [starts for door pre- 
ceded by Hansel'l who holds it opeft, and bows as Laura and Neb 
pass ojit ; closes door and goes down C. quickly) 

Mrs. H. Henry, need I say how rejoiced I am to see you free 
and 

Hansell. [interrupting) Excuse me, mother, I well know how 
thankful you feel at my release, and your joy finds a response 
within tny heart, that I am enabled once more to help support and 
sustain you ; but talking ]\\%\. now is out of the question, for I must 
away, [starts for door, but stops as Mrs. Hansell speaks) 

Mrs. H. [surprised) Where? 

Hansell. Excuse me, again, mother 

Mrs. H. [alarmed) Henry, you are not going to 

Hansell. [quickly) Pardon me, dear mother, but I would rather 
not tell you. I should not have come directly home after my 
release, had I known Neb had informed you of it, but attended 
first to the business I now seek to transact. 

Mrs. H. [leaving table atid coining to Henry's r. side) Henry ! 

Hansell. [beseechingly) Please, mother, do not attempt to detain 
me. What I can do must be done quickly. I Avill soon return. 

Mrs. H. [significantly) Yes, but will it be dead ox alive? 

Hansell. [surprised) Why, what do you mean ? 

Mrs. H. [slowly , walkiiig backward toward door — Hansell /?/fr«5 
so as to face her) I know of your contemplated duel with Mr. 
Thomas. 

Hansell. [starts) Who told you ? 

Mrs. H. [keeps her eyes fastened upon him) Neb ! 



30 STRIFE. 

Hansell. [quickly) But my going out has no reference to that. 

Mrs. H. [at door) We shall see. 

Hansell. Mother, do you doubt me ? 

Mrs. H. For the first time in my life I am compelled X.o say I do. 

Hansell. [quickly) Then doubt me no longer, for I will tell you 
my mission. There is to be an attempt made to burn the Judge's 
mill, and I fear, his residence, too, to-night. Knowing my influ- 
ence with the men. I intend using it to get them to abandon their 
rash project if possible. 

Mrs. H. [significantly) Was it not the Judge who had you 
arrested ? 

Hansell. [quickly) I believe it was. 

Mrs. H. And was it not the Judge who caused our neighbors 
and ourselves to suffer the pangs of hunger during the past six 
months ? 

Hansell. Partly so. 

Mrs. H. Is he not responsible for the desperate straits in which 
the poor of our town find themselves ? 

Hansell. To a certain extent, yes. 

Mrs. H. Is he your friend 1 

Hansell. No I 

Mrs. H. Is he mine ? 

Hansell. No! 

Mrs. H. Is he your fellow workmen's ? 

Hansell. No I 

Mrs. H. And yet you seek to do him a kindness ? 

Hansell. I do. 

Mrs. H. Knowing him to be a bitter foe of your mother's, an 
enemy of your neighbors', and a purse-ptoud unfeeling aristocrat.'' 

Hansell. I cannot help that. 

Mrs. H. Have you no desn-e to revenge his cruelty to you ? 

Hansell. Not at the expense of his property. 

Mrs. H. Nor resent the injury diOViQ. your 0^)71 mother? 

Hansell. Not by the torch. 

Mrs. H. Not even if your mother were to plead with you upon 
her bended knees ? 

Hansell. Never ! There is a law and love above even the 
sanctity of a mother's, and he who transgresses it by applying the 
torch of malice to a fellow-being's property, disgraces the mother 
who bore him, and covers with infamy the heritage left him by his 
father ! 

Mrs, H. Henry ! 

Hansell, Listen, mother. As a loyal man, my duty is to pre- 
serve the Judge's property from destruction, if it be in my power ; 
and that duly I ivill perform, even though it cost me all I possess, 
including my mother's cherished love. 



STRIFE. 31 

Mrs. H. Thamk Heaven ! you are above yielding to the petty 
passions that warp and sway the actions of your sex. This is the 
proudest moment of my hfe. In carrying out your purpose you 
fulfil 7ny wishes and prove to the world the nobility of your char- 
acter. 

Hansen, [starts for door) There, mother, that will do. 

Mrs. H. Stop one moment, please. Before you leave this room 
you must promise me to give up your contemplated duel with Mr. 
Thomas. 

Hansen. I cannot. My word of honor is pledged to resent his 
insult. 

Mrs. H. [barring door with body) T'/^^w you cannot leave — except 
hy force. 

Hansell. But, mother 

Mrs. H. Entreaties are vain, arguments useless ! The field of 
so-called " honor'" is one of disgrace, and no true man would ever 
seek to avenge a fancied or a real injury at the price of a human 
soul. 

Hansell. You do not understand. 

Mrs. H. I understand enough to know that if you carry out your 
intention you will transgress a commandment of your Maker's and 
break your mother's heart. 

Hansell. Sooner than do that I will submit to any shame, bear 
all the taunting jeers of my companions bravely, and be hapPy 
amid them, knowing that my action has brought peace and happi- 
ness to you. 

Mrs. H. Nobly spoken ! [throws door open, steps R. of it and 
points with left hand out of ope7i door) Go, and may Heaven's bles- 
sing attend you and crown your mission with success. (Hansell 
quickly exits ; scene closed in) 

Scene III. — A street in first grooves. 

Enter Thomas, r. ; comes C 

Thomas. The miscarriage of justice, occasioned by the shrewd- 
ness of that infernal Neb, has again given Hansell a chance to win 
Laura. That was a blundering piece of work of mine and will 
cost me the Judge's friendship. How to regain it, is what is now 
troubling me. [thinks) Ah, I have an idea! — that's capital! What is 
to prevent me from disguising myself as a mechanic, joining the 
horde that intend burning the Judge's mill and residence, rescuing 
Laura, becoming a hero, and eventually, out of gratitude, Laura's 
husband? Nothing! I'll do it. [starts for "L.—^nXtx ]\5\A^5?> L., 
passes to R. <7/"Thomas) 

Julius, [raises hat) Good eben', Massa Thomas. 

Thomas, (l.) Anything new ? 



32 



STRIFE. 



Julius. No, sah, 'ceptin' de Judge am all fired mad at yo' for try- 
ing dat knife bis'ness. 

Thomas. You must think I'm a fool not to be aware of that ! 

Julius, [raises hat) T'ank yo', sah. 

Thomas. Yov what ? 

Julius. For telling me yo' am not a fool. 

Thomas, [starts for ]\}i.l\JS) You impertinent black 

Julius. {pullUig off hat afid starting to run) It am no use, yo' 
can't kotch me. (Thomas stops l. c, and retraces his steps l.; 
]\}\A\}'& comes R. c.) Say, Massa Thomas. (Thomas stops a?id tur?is) 
Yo' forgot sumfin' ! [slaps pocket) 

Thomas, [takes coin from pocket and tosses it at Julius' feet) 
There, you dog, take it. It will be the last you get from me for 
some time. Exit L. 

Julius, [picking lip coin) Dat's what he alius says, but I guess I 
kin fotch him again, when I'se ready, [examines coin) Whew ; 
five dollars ! I must make two more to get even with what Neb 
stole. Exit R. 

Enter Hans, r., walking backward with both hands grasping 
hajidles of covered market basket, ]\5\AVi'S> following, t7ying to pull 
basket fj'om him. 

Hans. Dot vos a lie. I didn't steal nodings. 
Julius. You did. Whar did yo' git dis basket ? 
Hans. Dot be mine peesness. 

Julius. Yo' stole it. Now, if yo* don't hand me over two dollars 
at once, I'll hab yo' 'rested by de fust perlice I meets. 

Enter Neb, l., disguised as policema7i — wears moustache ajtd side 
whiskers, helmet over his own hat ; breast padded with coffee 
sack ; carries stuffed billy in right hand — slowly approaches back 
of Hans. 

Hans. I tells you dot I steals nodings, und I kin shust lick enny 
purleece dot efer drew brefif. 

Julius, [sees policeman, lets go of basket) Oh, Lor' ! Oh, Lor' ! 
[pulls off hat and runs out R. — at saine instant Neb, who has 
reached Hans, strikes him on back of head with billy) 

Hans, [alarmed) Mein Gott, vot vos dot? 

Neb. [changes voice) What's that? 

Hans, [turns, drops basket, a7id see)ns terribly frightened) Meester 
purleece, I vos shust foolin' mit dot poy. 

Neb. I can't help that. Yo' are my pris'ner now ; [lays right 
hand on Hans' shoulder) an' must go wid me. 

Hans. Vere to ? 

Neb. To de station house. 



STRIFE. 33 

Hans, {^affrighted ) An' schleep mit de rats und mice all grawlin' 
over me ? 

Neb. Dat's Avhar yo'll hab to sleep to-night, an' it will cost yo' 
four dollars an' fifty cents to get out in de mavvnin'. 

Hans. Mein Gott, dot will broke me ! Let me see ; [fakes iiioney 
from right trousers pocket and coimts it) ein, zwei, drei, vier, und 
ein halber thaler. 

Neb. [slightly advances) It will cost yo' four dollars and a half 
to git out in de morning, and it will cost yo' four dollars an' tifty 
cents to keep out to-night, [looks ahead of him) 

Hans, [not comprehending) Vot ish dot ? 

Neb. [impatiently) P^ork ober, an' [poiiiting with left hajid, L.) 
git! [ViK^^ places money ift Neb's 7ight hajid, picks up basket, 
walks slowly L. glanci7ig uneasily at Neb, till tiear wirig, then 
rushes out l, — Neb examines money eagerly) Haul No. 2 ! [looks off 
R. ; startled, resumes origitial tone of voice) By Jupiter, if dar ain't 
a reg'lar cop a comin' dis way ! [quickly pulls off helmet and coat, 
picks up coffee sack, hastily puts coat, helmet and billy in it, rolls it 
up and tucks it under left arm) Seven from Julius, four fifty from 
Hans — eleven dollars an' fifty cents. My new suit am all right ! 
[starts R. singing softly, ''In de morning by de bright light.'" 

Exit R., scene changes. 

Scene IV. — The exterior of Judge Buttons' house — enter mob, 
L., with axes, ropes and lanterns, led by Thomas, disguised ; 
range along L. wings and up L. — Thomas up l. 

Thomas, [aside) Now, for my last bold move, and then for 
! Laura, opulence and ease! [alotid to 7nen) Boys, yonder stands 
[pointiffo to house) the palatial residence of our common foe — the 
king of monopolists ! Shall it remain standing as a gigantic 
hydra, menacing the liberties of our children, or shall it return to 
the dust from which it sprang? 

Mob. [in unison) Fire it, burn it to the ground ! [txi\&x two men 
L., carrying bags filled with shavings — at saine instant txi\.tx Han- 
SELL L., with coat and hat off ; he pushes men aside arid ascends 
steps R.) 

Hansell. Men, brothers, fellow- workmen, in Heaven's name, 
desist ! Think of what you are doing ! Already the Judge's mill 
lies in ashes. Are you not satisfied? Is not your vengeance 
appeased ? For the love of your mothers, wives and little ones, 
add not this crime to the many already laid at the door of Labor, 

Thomas, {to men) Remove him! [two men spring to obey; they 
seize Hansell aiui force him out R. as Thomas speaks) He is no 
friend of ours. He is a traito?'. Pile up the fagots, [men place 
bags against house, bri?ig on coal oil barrel with co7ifiagration pot 
inside, place it 7iear bags a7id ig7iite fire in pot, Thomas talki7ig all 



34 STRIFE. 

the time) and let the heavens above us reecho Labor's cheers as 
the despot's wealth ascends in smoke and flame. 

Re-enter Hansell, r., followed by Hans and Neb ; seizing barrel, 
they start for C. when tnob makes a rush for them — simultaneously 
door is opened and Laura, dressed in pure white, appears with 
revolver in haiid, followed by Julius with blunderbuss. 

Laura, (l. on steps, presenting revolver) Back, every man of you ! 
The first one who steps forward is a dead man ! {mob falls back, 

L.) 

Julius, (r., on steps, coveriftg meti) Yes, an' de next dozen and a 
half ob yo's. {descends steps as Hansell, Hans a7id ^kb, place 
barrel c.) Come on, yo's a bully set of fellers, I'se ready for yo' ! 

Neb. [back of barrel, swi^iging hat and cheering lustily) De 
Judge's home am safe ! Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! 

Mob. l. a7id up L., huddled together crestfallen — Thomas upi.., 
trying to pull hat over eyes — Laura on steps with revolver directed 
at men — Hans on her R. — Hansell l., with gaze riveted upon 
Thomas — Julius up r., with gun at shoulder, covering men — 
Neb c, back of barrel, waving hat ajid cheering, 

PICTURE. 

SLOW DROP. 



ACT 111. 



Scene. — Sa7ne as Act I— as curtain rises Dolly is wiping organ 
with cloth — Julius dusting sofa with brush — curtain rises to 
lively mus\c. 

Dolly. I don't believe it ! 

Julius. Well, I jest guess I heerd de Jedge say so. 

Dolly. When? 

Julius. Las' night, arter de mob left. 

Dolly. Where? 

Julius. In dis berry room. 

Dolly. To whom was he talking ? 

Julius. To me, 

Dolly. To you ! [laughs) That's a likely story. Do you expect 
me to believe it? 

Julius. Blamed if I care wedder you do or no. [brushes vigor- 
ously) 



II 



STRIFE. 35 

Dolly. The idea of the Judge making a confidant of you! 
{laughs) It's too absurd for anything. 

Julius, ^pausing in work) Look a heah, Dolly 

Dolly, {sharply, interrupting) Whom are you addressing ? 

Julius, {quickly) Miss Dolly, den. [aside) Darn her rubbers ! 
[aloud) I 'spose yo' t'inks de Jedge nebber confides in me ; but 
he does, all de same. Of en an' of en he's told me heaps of t'ings 
dat he wouldn't t'ink ob tellin* [conteinptuously) de rest ob de 
sarvents. 

Dolly. I don't believe the Judge ever told you he intended re- 
building his mill. 

Julius. Yo' don't, eh? [with importance) I guess dat wusn't all 
de Jedge told me e'der. 

Dolly. It wasn't? 

Julius. No, it wusn't. 

Dolly. What else did he tell you ? 

Julius. I won't tell yo', it am none ob your bis'nes. 

Dolly, [laughs in an irritating manner) Oh, no ; of course you 
won't tell me ! 

Julius, [irritated) No, I won't. 

Dolly, [irritatingly) Certainly not, that's right ! I wouldn't if I 
were you, either. When persons/r<?/'(?«rt^ to know something of im- 
portance, they always act just as you are doing. 

Julius. But I hiows wot I'se talkin' 'bout — I 

Dolly, [interrupting) No, you don't ! 

Julius, [exasperated) I don't, eh? 

Dolly. No! 

Julius. Why doesn't I ? 

Dolly. Because you would not allow me to doubt your word if 
you did. 

Julius. Yo' won't believe me if I tells yo' ■ 

Dolly. Try me and see. 

Julius. Well den — [hesitates) No, I won't e'der ! Yo'U jest poke 
fun at me ag'in. 

Dolly, [conteniptously) Now, I'm sure you are ov\y pretending 
to know something, or you wouldn't be afraid of being laughed at ; 
you are a coward I 

Julius. Who's a coward? 

Dolly. You are. 

Julius, [excited) Does yo' knows who yo's a talkin' to ? 

Dolly, [coolly) Certainly I do. 

Julius, [taking a step forward) Yo's had better be keerful 

Dolly, [goijig quickly to c.) What's that? Do you know whom 
you are talking to? 

Julius, [quickly subsiding) I — mean — dat yo' might hab sum 
'sideration fur a fellah's feelin's. [resumes dusting in a Jerky, angry 
manner, rnuttering to himself ) 



36 STRIFE. 

Dolly. It is well for you that you cooled down and changed the 
tone of your voice, for in another moment, I would have made you 
feei who it W3.s you were addressing in that insolent manner, [turn- 
ing R., she glances over L, shoulder, then smiles to herself— resumes 
work) 

Julius, [doggedly) I'se no bigger coward dan yo' is. 

Dolly. Then why don't you tell what you are aching to. (Julius 
mutters to himself) Oh, you needn't talk to yourself and try to assume 
a mysterious air to mislead me. You know nothing of the Judge's 
future intentions. You can't fool me. 

Julius. Nobody is a tryin' to fool yo'. 

Dolly. No, not fiow, but you were a moment ago. 

Julius. No, I wusn't e'der, fur I knows sumfin' dat would make 
yo'r eyes fly open so wide, dat it would take dem free weeks to git 
shut agin. 

Dolly, [comes C, claps hands) Oh, tell me, please, what is it? 

Julius. 'Pears ter me dat you am a achin wusser to hear wot I 
knows, dan I is to tell it ! 

Dolly. Out with it, or you are a coward! 

Julius, [comes L. of Dolly) Well, de Jedge, says, says he, 
Julius 

Dolly, [eagerly) Yes, yes, but go on 

Julius. I 'tend to 

Enter Hans C. d. , coatless, has shirt-sleeves rolled up, large white 
aproti on, marks of flour on face and arms, paper cap on head ; 
stands C. 

Hans, [speaks excitedly) Say, Mees Dolly, how do you vant dot 
durkey stuffed ? 

Dolly. Why, the usual way, Hans. 

Hans. You no vant lemon juice mixed mit it? 

Dolly. Why, no. 

Hans. Nein, nor garhc ? 

Dolly. Certainly not ! 

Hans. Nor orange peelin's, nor apples, und sheese 

Dolly. Of course not. Don't you know how to make filling for 
fowls ? 

Hans. Yah, I knows, but dot Jule, dar, tole me dot you vanted 
dem dings in, too. 

Julius, [quickly) I nebber said ennyt'ing ob de kind. I jest 
axes him if eber he tried dat receipt. 

Hans, [angrily) You youst did say so 

Julius, [angrily) I didn't. Now look a'heah, Dutchy, if yo' 
tells enny more lies on me, I'll make yo* prove dem afore a mad'- 
strate. I'se gittin' tired ob habin' my chac'ter fur 'racity 'sailed 
by de likes ob yo'. 



STRIFE. 2>7 

Hans, [angrily, advancing upon Julius) Who tells dem lies ? 

Julius, [retreating down L.) Keep away from me, or yo'll git 
hurt! 

Dolly, [authoritatively] Stop your quarrelling this instant, both 
of you ! Hans, return to your duties in the kitchen. 

Hans, [shaking fist at Julius) Youst you come ouf in meine 
kitchen. I youst bounds you up mit mein fists till you looks like 
ein sausage meat ! [going] Come ouf, come ouf ! Exit c. D. 

Dolly, (c, speaks pleasantly] Now, Julius, I'm ready to hear 
your story. Don't waste any time or some one may come in and 
interrupt you again. 

Julius. If I tells yo', yo'll let dat turkey stuffin' bis'nes pass, 
won't yo' ? 

Dolly. Yes, yes. 

Julius. Kase yo* see, I didn't mean nuffin' by it. Dat Dutch- 
man b'lieves ennyt'ing dat yo' tells him. 

Dolly, [figgetty] Yes, yes, I know all that — go on with your 
story ! 

Julius, [aside) She's gettin' de figgits ! Wimmin folks has de 
mostest cur'osity ob enny an'mal dat breeves. [aloud] De Jedge 
tole me dat on 'count ob de sarvice we did him las' night, dat he 
'tended to 'crease mine, an' Neb's, an' Hans' wages a dollar a 
week, an' make us a present besides, and dat he 'tended to build 
up his mill ag'in an' make dat Mr. Hansell de superintendent ob 
it. 

Dolly, [joyously] Did he really and truly tell you that? 

Julius, [tickled] As suah as yo' am a libin', he did. 

Dolly. Do you think he was in earnest? 

Julius. He wus dat. Yo' oughter seed him a walkin' up an' 
down dis room ; he wus a-cryin' one minnit, an' cussin' de next ; 
swearin' dat me, Neb an' Hans wus sum 'count arter all. Oh, he 
wus all worked up, an' I 'spected ebbery minnit dat he'd hab a 
fit of night sweats or sumfin* else. 

Dolly, [joyously] Oh, I'm so glad! If Henry — I mean Mr. 
Hansell — should get that position it would be just delightful ! 

Julius. 'Pears dat yo' am mighty int' rested in dat Mr. Hansell. 

Dolly. So I am ! 

Jalius. [grinning] Oh, I see ; yo' am kinder gone on him, 
but yo' needn't be skeered, I'll not tell on yo' ! 

Dolly. There's nothing to tell. Mr. Hansell is my [aside] I 

came near letting out my secret! [aloud] Now go on with your 
work, [Y)o\.\x goes to melodeon and ]\5'Ll\5S to sofa; both resume 
work — Dolly with back to l. d. talking] For my part. I don't be- 
lieve the Judge — (enter Judge l. d. quietly ; he stands near table L., 
looki?ig at Dolly, while rapid transitions of feeling play upon his 
features — Julius notices him the instant he eiders, seems startled, 
casts a quick glance at Dolly and quietly sneaks out of C. D., 



38 STRIFE. 

but ivimediately reappears; peeps in and enjoys the scene — as 
Dolly screams he springs up as though affrighted) — will carry- 
out the promises he made last night. You can't place any depend- 
ence on anything he says. One moment he'll say he'll do this, 
and the next do the opposite. In the morning he'll be pleasant, in 
the afternoon cross, snappish and surly, and in the evening \i€\\. be 
storming around and almost take your head off if you look at him. 
He's a nasty, ill-tempered old thing, more like a brute \\\-SiVL a man. 
I just wish 1 had the handhng of him for a year or two, I'd 

Judge. Dolly ! 

Dolly, [^screams, jumps backward, overwhehned with confusion, 
and gasps for breath as she speaks) Oh, gracious goodness, how 
you frightened me ! I beg — your — pardon — sir — 1 — thought — I — 
thought 

Judge, {calmly) That I was not around! 

Dolly, {humbly) I hope — I have not offended you 

Judge. Oh, no, certainly not! To whom were you talking? 
{goes to table and faces audience) 

Dolly, (scans room quickly, eyes rest a mometit upon Julius at 
C. D., who gesticulates wildly to her not to tell) Excuse — me — 
sir — {curtsies) but — I — think I must have been talking to you. 
{]\}'Li\5S listens atte7ttively, as he hears Dolly's reply, rubs hands 
and gesticulates his thanks) 

Judge, {looks steadily a mornent at Dolly, who hangs her head 
and plays confusedly with cloth — Julius moves slightly l. , so that 
the Judge cannot see him — watches him sharply and disappears L. , 
as soon as he gives his orders) That will do, now, {poititingto C. D.) 
leave the room I (Dolly cufisies, starts, then hesitates) 

Dolly, {humbly) I hope, sir — {]\i\A\}^ peeps in) 

Judge, {explosively) Go ! (Julius jumps back l., as though 
struck — Dolly starts, then quickly exits C. D., frightetied — 
Judge watches her exit, then slowly facirig audience, drops his 
head one moinent in thought, then speaks in measured tones) Ser- 
vants are proverbial for their frankness when released from all re- 
straint, and under such circumstances, one need never sigh, "Oh, 
for the gift to see ourselves as others see us ! " I never knew until 
a moment ago that I was devoid of stability of purpose, and was 
{imitates Dolly's totie of voice) a cross, snappish, surly old brute l 
Ah, well ! what is the use of 

Enter Hansell, c. d., ushered in by Julius. 

Julius, {bowing) Mr, Hansell, sah. {bows and exits c. D.) 

Hansell. {advancing) I believe you sent for me, sir 

Judge. Yes, but it is unnecessary for you to remind me of my 
harshness to you yesterday, by emphasizing my sending for you. 
Hansell. [bowing) Pardon me then for doing so. 



STRIFE. 39 

Judge. In fact, I am heartily sorry for the manner in which I 
ordered you out of my house, and the annoyance you were sub- 
jected to by your false arrest. I sent for you for the purpose of 
apologizing for my lack of courtesy, and to thank you for the no- 
bility of character you displayed in saving my home from de- 
struction. 

Hansell. Apologies are useless and thanks unnecessary. My 
duty was plain. 

Judge. And you performed it like a man. You proved your- 
self, though you be but a mechanic, one of nature's noblemen ! 
There — [extending hand) is my hand ; if I have not offended you 
too deeply, accept it as an evidence that your manliness extends 
eveft to the forgiveness of your most bitter enemy. 

Hansell. [grasping his hand) I never refuse a hand offered in 
friendship or in penitence. 

Judge. Thank you. Now, Hansell, I had a double object in 
wanting to see you. I intend immediately to rebuild my mill de- 
stroyed last night, and to you I offer its superintendency as a re- 
ward for your fidelity to my interests. 

Hansell. [surprised) To me, sir.-* 

Judge. Yes, that is what I said. 

Hansell. Really, sir, I hardly know how to thank you. 

Judge, [drily) Then don't attempt it. 

Hansell. I meant it 

Judge, [interrupting) Never mind what you meant. That's all 
right ; I understand. I suppose you will accept the trust? 

Hansell. Yes, sir, — or, rather, conditionally. 

Judge. Name your conditions. 

Hansell. That you will allow me to re-engage the men formerly 
in your employ. 

Judge, [surprised) What! the men who burned my mill ? 

Hansell. Yes, sir, 

Judge. The men who tried to fire my residence ? 

Hansell. The same, 

Judge. And would not have hesitated to take my life had it been 
exposed to their fury ! 

Hansell. The truth of that I cannot vouch for ; but remember, 
sir, in yonr future dealings with those men, the desperate straits to 
which they were driven, iind your own participation in their crime 
of last night. 

Judge, {surprised) I do not understand you. Do you charge 
me v^^ith being an accessory to their crime of arson ? 

Hansell. I do ; for by your repeated refusals to grant their en- 
treaties for work, unless they renounced their birthright by signing 
slavish articles of agreement, you drove them to starvation and 
frenzy, closed their eyes to all sense of honor, excited the demon 



40 STRIFE. 

of revenge within their breasts and furnished the venomous oil of 
malice that lighted the torch of destruction. 

Judge. You are putting the case pretty strongly, Hansell. 

Hansell. But not stronger than the facts warrant. 

Judge, {sternly) I do not wish to be insulted in my own house. 

Hansell. {quickly) I do not wish to insult you, but I do desire 
that you may see yourself as others see you. 

Judge, [irritated) Thank you. I well know how I appear to 
others, [aside) Dolly informed me. [aloud) Is there no other con- 
dition upon which you will accept the position offered you ? 

Hansell. Absolutely none. My lot is cast with my fellow work- 
men's, and if you cannot extend your kindness to them, you de- 
bar me from accepting it. 

Judge. Are you in earnest? 

Hansell. I am, sir. My word of honor is at stake. 

Judge. For the sake of a foolish sentiment of honor, will you 
allow a lucrative position to shp through your grasp ? 

Hansell. [looks at him a moment) I would permit a kingdom 
to slip through it, rather than prove a traitor to my fellow work- 
men, diX\d false to my sworn obligations. 

Judge, [musing ) You are a strange being ! 

Hansell. Perhaps I am, but it is better to be warm-hearted, for- 
giving and true to your fellow-men, than to be the monarch of the 
universe and devoid of principle. 

Judge. If I thought there were others in your order who hold to 
your lofty ideas of true manhood, I might be tempted to accept 
your conditions. 

Hansell. [quickly) Tliere are others — hundreds of them — truer, 
better and nobler men than I, who see the folly of their hasty ac- 
tion in striking, and only await your pleasure to acknowledge 
their error and make you what amends they can. Oh, sir, if you 
would add brilliancy to the glorious sunhght of this morning and 
fill the air with gladness and song, accept 7ny condition. 

Judge. If I consent to the re-engagement of my former men, it 
must be at your expense. 

Hansell. [quickly) In what way ? 

Judge. By the loss of the position I offered you a moment ago. 

Hansell. I will cheerfully submit to that, knowing the joy my 
sacrifice will bring to many an aching heart. 

Judge. There ;z<?i?c/ /^^ no sacrifice. Your willingness dispenses 
with the necessity of it. I agree to your terms, and thank you, 
too, for teaching me that there is something else in life worth liv- 
ing for than self. 

Hansell. [eagerly^ Then you promise to take back all the men 
formerly in your employ ? 

Judge. I do, without exception, and you can now go and inform 
them of the fact. 



STRIFE, 41 

Hansell. [gycisping his hand) Thank you, sir. Were you 7ny 
own father I could not {q.€\. prouder oi you than I do at this mo- 
ment. Now I can go forth ?iX\di prove to my companions that my 
action last night was for their best interest — traitor though they 
thought me then, [speaks rapidly) I cannot express my gratitude 
to you, sir, nor that of the men whose homes will be the brighter 
for the assurance of future aid from you. May Heaven's blessing 
rest upon you — will be the prayers offered by many a mother this 
day 

Judge. There, there, that will do ! Now go. 

Hansell. [going) I will, but let me hope that Labor and Capital, 
once more united, may never again become estranged, and that 
the pleasure you have this day conferred upon others, may rever- 
berate through, your heart and crown with a halo of happiness the 
remainder of your life. Exit c. D. 

Judge, [facing audience, musingly) There is not another man liv- 
ing who could have caused me to make such a dunce of myself. 
In fact, I was 2. fool for allowing him to cajole me into making that 
rash promise. I will call him back, for I ca7inot keep it. I have 
sworn to break the stubborn will of those men, and I'll do it ! 
[starts quickly for c. D. talkbtg, stops when near it, faces audieftce 
and stands c.) I will show that impudent minx of a Dolly, and 
the world besides, that I have a will of my own, and when I say 
I'll do a thing, I will do it. 

Enter Laura c. vt., joyously, as M^ Judge utters " I will do it — " 
stands R. ^ Judge. 

Laura. Of course you will do it ! 

Judge, [abruptly) Will do what ? 

Laura, [confused) Why — ah ! [quickly) What you said you 
would. 

Judge. And pray what was that ? 

Laura. Really, sir — I can't — recall it just now, but I'm sure 
[archly) you remember it. 

Judge, [admiringly) You do, eh ? You are a sly puss ! Did 
you mean what 1 said about my men ? 

Laura, [quickly) Yes, sir ; that was it ! 

Judge. So I will do what I said, that is, perhaps I will. My 
dear, [leads her back of table) I wish to ask your advice about a 
little matter. 

Laura, [affecting surprise) J/k advice, sir ? 

Judge. Yes, dear, ^,9z^r advice. Suppose, now, you had a num- 
ber of men working for you, and they asked you to pay them 
more for their work than you could afford to, what would you do ? 

Laura. I would tell them that it was impossible. 



42 STRIFE. 

Judge. Just so. Now, suppose they were to strike, that is, leave 
your employ in a body, what would you do then? 

Laura. I would call them together in a body, present figures to 
prove I could not grant their request, reason with them about the 
injustice of their action, and ask them to retur?i to work. 

Judge. You would, eh ? 

Laura. Certainly. That would be the only manly course to 
pursue. 

Judge. Ah! yes, perhaps it would, but business men don't 
usually look at it in that light. 

Laura. I am aware that some [significantly) do not, more's the 
pity. 

Judge, [wincing) There is no need of your becoming personal ; 
we were only supposing a case, you know. 

Laura. Oh, excuse me. Now I understand, [stniles aside) 

Judge. Yes, that's all right. Now, we'll take it for granted that 
you become incensed at the action of your men and close up your 
place of business. Your men in turn become angry with you and 
out of a feeling of revenge, set fire to your place of business and 
burn it down. What would you do then ? 

Laura, [with animation, speaks rapidly) Just let me tell you 
what /would do. If my men had asked me to let them resume 
work at their old wages and I refused, and they then set fire to my 
property, I should feel that I was a party to their crime, do you 
see.? 

Judge. Yes, yes 

Laura. Feeling that way, I should immediately rebuild my 
works, employ all my old hands and thus atone for my sin by for- 
giving them their' s 

Judge, [eagerly) Would you really do that ? 

Laura. I would, sir ; most assuredly. 

Judge. But think of the expense you would be put to. 

Laura. One should never take into account dollars and cents 
when he seeks forgiveness for wrong doing. 

Judge, [enthusiastically) Laura, you are a trump ! Excuse me, 
I do not mean that — I mean you speak my sentiments exactly. 

Laura, [eagerly) Then you will rebuild your mill ? 

Judge. Yes 

Laura. And employ all your former hands ? 

Judge. [beco7ning anifnated) Yes, every one of them. Hansell 
I shall make- ■ 

Laura. What? 

Judge. Superintendent of my mill 

Laura, [clapping her hands) Oh, you dear, good love of a man, 
I feel like kissing you ! 

Judge. [gallantly)'Do it, my dear, I have not the least objection. 



STRIFE. 43 

Laura. I believe I will [starts for the Judge, is about to throw 
her arms around him when enter Hans quickly, C. D.) 

Hans. Meester [sees Laura and the Judge, raises both 

hands) Dunder und blitzen ! [rushes out c. jy. — Laura «w/ Judge 
separate) 

Judge, [irritated) Confound that stupid Dutchman ! 

Laura, [suppressing^ a laugh) Excuse me, sir, I will see what he 
wanted, [goes rapidly to C. d. ) 

Judge, [coaxingly) Stop a moment, dear. Come back, I wish 
to speak to you about that matter we were discussing yesterday 
morning. 

Laura, [smiling) Some other time. You really must excuse me 
now. Exit, c. d. 

Judge, [pacing stage) Hang that blockhead ! What business 
had he to enter unannounced ? What business has any servant, 
in fact? They are a nuisance, an abomination, a set of tattlers 
who feed upon gossip and their employer's pocketbook. The 
whole kit of them are a diabolical set of sharks. 

Enter Julius, c. d. 

Julius, [bowing) 'Scuse me, sah, but yo' didn't want fur to see 
Mr. Thomas dis mornin', did yo' ? 

Judge, [savagely) No, I don't, nor anybody else. Get out of 
my sight ! 

Julius. I jest knowed it ! 

Judge, [halting) You knew what? 

Julius. Dat yo' didn't want fur to see him ! 

Judge. How did you know it ? 

Julius. 'Kase yo' tole me. 

Judge. When? 

Julius. Why, only a minnit ago. 

Judge, [starting for him angrily) I'll 

Julius, [starting to run off) No, yo' won't 

Judge, [halting) Where is Thomas? 

Julius, [near door) In de entry, jist outside de do* dar. [pointing 
out, c. d.) 

Judge, [angrily) Well! What are you standing there for? 
Why don't you show him in ? 

Julius. 'Kase yo' told me not to. 

Judge. I told you nothing of the kind. 

Julius. Yo' did, sah, sartin'. 

Judge. What do you 7?iea?i by contradicting ra^l 

Julius. I'se Uke to know wot yo' mean yo'se'f ? When I axes 
yo' if yo' wanted fur to see Mr. Thomas yo* said — " No I " 

Judge, [ajigrily, walking to table) I'll show you what I meant in 
two seconds, you impudent rascal, if you don't show him in here 
immediately ! 



44 STRIFE. 

Julius, {going to c. D.) Why can't yo' say wot yo' mean v. ' - 
fust place, an' ^siick to it? A fellah neiober knows how to took - 
{to Thomas) Come in, sah. (enter Thomas, c. d.) Mr. Thor 
sah. Exit c. D., but reappears and peeps in tJwonghotU seen • 

Thomas, [bowing) Good morning, sir. ''«- 

Judge, (l. of table, curtly) We'll dispense with all formali 
sir. Proceed to state your business. What brought you here 

Thomas. The desire to make an explanation ''• 

Judge. In regard to what? 

Thomas. My conduct of yesterday. '^^^ 

Judge. Entirely unnecessary. You deliberately assaulte '^^ 
guest of mine in this room, outraged my hospitality, and subje 
me to the mortification of prosecuting an innocent man. He. ■" 
forth, we are strangers. 

Thomas. But, Judge, if I prove the assault was made in } ^ 
interest /^ 

Judge, [incredulous) In my interest ! '^ 

Thomas. In behalf of the sanctity of your fireside ^^ ' 

Judge. In what way ? 

Thomas. To protect your home and honor against the mach 
tions of an unprincipled man. 

Judge, [sarcastically) Your action would be most remarkab ""; 

Thomas. Well, sir, such are the facts of the case, and I k- 
to your good judgment the decision as to whether I have pre ^ 
myself your friend or your foe. 

Judge. T\it facts of the case, as related by you, contain noth- 
Explain yourself. 

Thomas. You know a mechanic by the name of Hansell, I 
lieve ? 

Judge. I do. 

Thomas. That is, you think you do. Have you ever tested his 
principles ? 

Judge. I have, and found them to be of the very best quality. 

Thomas. Do you know anything of his antecedents? 

Judge. Absolutely nothing. 

Thomas. I thought not. Did you ever watch him closely, 
secretly ? 

Judge. No. 

Thomas. Have you never noticed a certain uneasiness about 
him at times, as though something were troubhng him ? 

Judge. Now you recall it, I believe I have. 

Thomas. Did you ever perceive him start and glance hastily 
around, as though expecting some unseen foe to attack him? 

Judge. I have, frequently. 

Thomas. And wondered, no doubt, what caused it? 

Judge. That's true. 



■STRIFE. 45 

Thomas. Yet you never attempted, by questioning him, to learn 
b ^ause, did you ? 

''fudge. Yes, on one or two occasions, while he was working in 
■ '-^mill. 

''homas. With what result ? 

udge. With the result of overwhelming him with confusion, 
'homas. As I thought. That man has a guilty conscience. 
dare not sfieak of his heinous crime, yet conscience ever 
^ roaches him with his sin, and denies him peace of mind. 

udge. [surprised) Why, what do you mean ? 
^ 'homas. Judge, you believe that man to be honorable? 
^' udge. I do. 

'homas. Incapable of deceit? 
-udge. More so than most men. 

homas. Possessed of the most sterling principles of virtue, hon- 
.^ '( and forbearance ? 
^ udge. A man among a thousand ! 

homas. A man devoid of hatred and malice ? 
^ idge. Perfectly so. 

homas. One who loves his fellow creatures? 
iidge. With as pure a love as that of angels. 
homas. Who would not be guilty of shedding human blood ? 
' 'idge. No, sir — never! 

homas. And yet, by the pale moon's dim light, I have seen 
> clasp a pure innocent girl by the throat and throttle her till 
was extinct ! 

Udge. [horrified) What ! 

homas. 'Tis true. As he flung her lifeless form among the 
ikers on the beach, and stood there with his face wreathed in 
a smile of diabolical hatred, he looked like a fiend incarnate. Do 
you remember the case of Lillian Duer? 

Judge. The girl who was murdered at Swansville, some three 
years ago ? 

Thomas. The same. 
Judge. I do. 

Thomas. She was his victim ! 
Judge. That cannot be. 

Thomas. Was not the man who was arrested for the crime, 
named Hansell? 
Judge. I believe so. 

Thomas. And your Hansell entered your employ — when ? 
Judge. A little over two years ago. 

Thomas. Just so. He was driven from his former home by the 
indignation of his neighbors, about that time, and settled here. 

Judge. Can it be possible ? He was tried for the crime, was he 
not? 



46 STRIFE. 

Thomas. He was. 

Judge. You saw him commit the deed ? 

Thomas. I did. 

Judge. He was acquitted ? 

Thomas. Yes. 

Judge. You were a witness against him? 

Thomas. I was. 

Judge. Then how was he freed ? 

Thomas. By the perjured evidence of his mother and sister, who 
swore he never left his home the night of the murder. 

Judge. Was there no other evidence than yours offered against 
him? 

Thomas. -Yes. Footprints leading to and from the body were 
found to correspond exactly to the shoes worn by Hansell. 

Judge. Then there was no doubt of Hansell' s guilt, provided his 
mother and sister swore falsely ? 

Thomas. None whatever. So general was the belief in his 
guilt, that had he remained in town another week he would have 
been lynched. 

Judge. And this is the man I thought so noble and true ! 

Thomas. Now, Judge, imagine my feehngs when I met that 
man — a murderer — yesterday in this room, seemingly enjoying the 
freedom of your house. 

Judge. I cannot ! 

Thomas. I felt assured you were not aware of his true character, 
else you would discourage the intimacy existing between him and 
your ward. 

Judge, [astounded^ What's that? He intimate \i\\\\\jaMX2.1 

Thomas. That's what I said. 

Judge. Why, man, they don't know each other. 

Thomas, [significantly) Don't they? You must be blind !] 

Judge. Bhnd to what ? 

Thomas. The affection existing between them. Why, it is known 
all over town. 

Judge. I do not believe it. 

Thomas. Perhaps not. Yet it was to save you the disgrace of 
that knowledge, that I quarreled with Hansell yesterday. 

Judge, [excited) Laura does not love Hansell ! 

Thomas. I tell you she does. 

Judge. It's false ! I guess I know whoin she loves. 

Thomas. Perhaps you think so. 

Judge. I tell you / do know ! Don't you contradict me again, 
sir. 

Thomas. Certainly not, yet I can't help feeling sorry for you. 

Judge. Sorry for me! 

Thomas. Yes, sir. 

Judge. Why? 



STRIFE. 47 

Thomas. Because of the deception being practiced upon you. 

Judge. By whom ? 

Thomas. Hansell and Miss Laura. 

Judge, [irritated] I tell you, you are mistaken. Don't you sup- 
pose I know ? [with importance) Laura loves 7ne, sir ! 

Thomas, [astonished) Yon, s\xl 

Judge. Yes, me. Is there anything astonishing in that? 

Thomas. No, nothing particularly, [aside) I understand now. 
[aloud] Did she ever say so ? 

Judge. Not in so many words, but her actions plainly showed it. 

Thomas, [significantly] I suppose //i2/z.9<?// thinks the same. 

Judge, [angrily] Hansell be d . [quickly) What do 1 care 

what he thinks? 

Thomas. Perhaps you would c^xe, if you were to see him and 
your ward together. 

Judge, [startled) He and Laura together ! When? Where? 

Thomas. At his home. I saw them there only last night. 

Judge. At what time ? 

Thomas. Just after Hansell's release. 

Judge. Ah ! I see. Now I know why she hurried away from the 
magistrate's and left me. So she meets that reprobate secretly, 
does she ? 

Thomas. Yes, but it is his fault. 

Judge. ( furiously] I know it is, the contemptible scoundrel, the 
low-bred— — [abruptly] Are you sure it is Laura who meets him? 

Thomas. 1 am sure of it. If you doubt my word you can see 
for yourself, for I'll 

Judge, [excitedly , pacing stage) No, you won't. I don't want to 
see. What in the diclcens do /want to see another man caressing 
the woman I love for? Are you a fool? Do you think me one ? Are 
your senses gone ? To think that Laura, whom I thought pure and 
innocent, guilty of such deception ! It is too much— too much ! 

Thomas, [trying to pacify him] There, there, Judge, be calm. 
She is not at fault. Hansell is the one to blame. ■ 

Judge. That's true, he" s the one, the mean, sneaking, low- 
principled assassin ! Why in thunder didn't you kill him yester- 
' day ? 

Thomas. I dared not. Now that you know his baseness, I trust 
you will no longer condemn me for assaulting him. 

Judge. Condemn you ! I never did. I always V\-\q\v you were 
a gentleman. You did right — [shakes Thomas' hand] and I honor 
you for it. As for that Hansell, I'll send him a note and have a 
settlement in full with him this very day. (enter Neb, c. d., dressed 
dudishly, followed by Messrs Thompkins and Squash) Visitors, 
confound them ! [Tv{OMK<:i goes up L., as Neb speaks] 

Neb. [boiving) Massa Thompkins and Massa Squash, sah. 
; (Judge salutes guests pleasantly] 



48 STRIFE. 

Thomas, {going) I will see you again this afternoon. Good- 
morning, sir. 

Judge. Be sure and do so ; but, wait, I will accompany you to 
the door, {to guests) Excuse me for a moment. Neb, tell Julius 
to bring in some wine, and see that the gentlemen are made com- 
fortable. Exit with Thomas, c. d. I 

Neb. Yes, sah. {places chairs R. andL.. of tabic) Be seated gem'- 
men, an' make yourselves free an' easy, {going) I will order our 
sarvent, {makes a wry face ; Julius p>ee/>s in C. d., looks savagely, 
and shakes fist at Neb, but disappears L. before Neb turns) to bring 
yo' in some wine, {bo-cus andexits C. D.) 

Thompkins. {seated L. of table) As I was saying when I entered, 
the Judge was much more passionate in his younger days than he 
is now. 

Squash, (r.) Ah, indeed ! 

Thompkins. Yes, his wife ran away from him — or rather his 
brutality drove her away. 

Squash, {astonished) His wife? 

Thompkins. Didn't you know he had been married ? 

Squash. No. 

Thompkins. What? 

Squash. It's a fact. 

Thompkins. She left him one night over twenty years ago. 

Squash. You don't say so ! 

Thompkins. And took her two children, a boy and girl, with 
her. 

Squash. Do tell ! 

Thompkins. The affair created quite a stir at the time. 

Squash. No doubt of it. 

Thompkins. A regular breeze, in fact, for it blew the Judge out 
of Roxford and landed him here. 

Squash. You don't say so! But what became of his wife ? 

Thompkins. She died some ten years ago. 

Squash. And the children ? 

Thompkins. The Lord only knows. No one, not even the Judge, 
could ever find out. But, hush ! here comes the Judge. 

Re-enter Judge c. d., takes seat behind table — ]u\aus folloius him, 
bearing tray, with two bottles of wine and three ivine glasses ; ap- 
pears indignant — 'Hk^ follozvs him to C. D., elated — Julius places 
bottles and glasses upon table, goes tip c, tosses tray on sofa, and 
stands directly back ^ Judge — when he and Jiis guests begin to 
drink, Julius takes bottle from breast pocket ajtd does likewise, 
never removing his gaze from the Judge. 

Judge. Ah, gentlemen, judging from the animated tone of your 
conversation, I should say my presence was not missed, {sits) 



STRIFE. 49 

Squash, [with emphasis) Not at all, not at all, sir ! 

Judge, [looks hard at Squash a moment ; drily) Thank you. 
[half rises) Perhaps it would have been more agreeable to you if 
I had remained out altogether. 

Squash, [confused) Excuse — me — Judge, do not leave — sit still 
— I meant — I meant — to 

Thompkins. [quickly) He meant to convey the impression that 
considering your absence we got along remarkably well. 

Squash, [quickly) Yes, that's it. [to Thompkins) Thank you. 
[to Judge) You really must excuse me, Judge. 

Judge, [interrupting, smiles) Certainly, sir. Your embarrass- 
ment proves that you meant no offence. Here, gentlemen, [hands 
each a bottle) is some grape wine over six years old, that I would 
hke you to try. Help yourselves. We'll dispense with ceremony. 
infills glasses) 

Julius, [holding up bottle, aside) An' here's de remnant ob de 
champagne. We'll 'spense wid ceremony, too. Here's lookin' 
at yo'. [is about to place bottle to mouth, when Neb sneaks up be- 
hind him and snatches bottle out of his hand, guying ]ulivs, who 
shows fight — ^'SJ^ makes feint to strike him with bottle — Jui.ius re- 
treats, stands a moment pouting, then brightens up with an idea and 
runs out rapidly c. D. — Neb cippears joyous, — dritiks) 

Thompkins. [drinking) That's splendid ! 

Squash, [draining glass) I never tasted better, [re-fills glass, 
smiling) Excuse me^ 

Judge. That's right. Help yourself. 

Squash, [fervently) Thank you, thank you. I am doing so, as 
you see. There's noXhmg like making yourself at home, and being 
free and easy under all circumstances. 

Judge. That's true. It adds to our pleasure and dispenses 
with the necessity of formality. We are old friends who know one 
another well, and never meet but to enjoy ourselves. Eh, 
Thompkins ? 

Re-enter Julius C. d. ; has bottles sticking out R. and l. pockets, 
demijohn in hand— takes former position — makes a face at Neb 
and drinks from demijohn, evincing pleasure — watches Judge 
closely. 

Thompkins. Yes, sir, you hit the nail square on the head that 
time. Our motto is when together, " Drink and be merry." 

Squash, [helping himself) Thanks, I have no objection whatever. 
(Thompkins ^/z^^ Judge laugh) 

Judge, [pointing to Squash) An offspring of a crawler, becom- 
ing merry at the expense of a climber I [laughs) 

Thompkins. [appears not to comprehend at first) Ah, yes! [sud- 
denly) By jove, not so bad, Judge. I didn't see the point at first. 
{Jaugks) A Squash feeding oxi grapes. 



50 STRIFE. 

Neb quietly placing bottle on sofa, steals bottles from JVLWS' pockets 
— placing them beside others, he returns and snatches demijohn from 
Julius — commences to drink fro7n it, guarding sofa — Julius 
appears C7-estf alien, then grins and searches pockets ; finding bot- 
tles go fie, he approaches Neb and engages him in an animated 
dumb conversation, features and form depicting atiger, gesticulat- 
ing with rapidity. 

Squash. All right, gentlemen. Enjoy yourselves at my expense 
as much as you can. [refills glasses) I'm perfectly happy, [if talent 
will permit, holds glass aloft and cominences singing the chorus of 
the Drinking Song fro7n " Girofie Girofia'' — Judge ««rt?THOMPKiNS 
joining, with glasses raised — Neb ««^ Julius seize each other and 
comiftence tussling) 

Thompkins. [at conclusion of song) That burst of melody from 
our friend reminds me, Judge, that the last time we were here, you 
promised to make Neb sing for us. I believe that was the agree- 
ment, wasn't it, Squash? 

Squash. Certainly, and we expect the Judge to redeem his 
promise. 

Judge. All right, gentlemen, I will do so. [turning, calls) Julius ! 
[sees him and Neb butting each other) What in thunder are you 
boys doing? (Thompkins nudges Squash; both look at boys and 
laugh ; boys separate) 

Julius. He was 'posing on me again. I'll bust his old cocoanut 
for him yet, see if I don't. 

Neb. [angrily) Yo' can't do it, yo' black Guinea nigger I 

Judge. There, there, boys, that will do. Come he-re. Neb. I 
wish you to sing for these gentlemen. Will you do it ? 

Thompkins. [handing him money) There's a half dollar for you 
to buy your girl some taffy with, if you sing. 

Neb. [bows, takes coin, laughs) T'ank you, sah, but my gal 
dun need for me to buy her taffy. She jest t'inks I'se a barrel > 
of m'lasses myself, [to Judge, with alacrity) Sartinly I'll sing, but 
wot am it to be, Massa? 

Judge. Oh, that new piece you were singing the other night. 

Neb. Oh, yes, I know. All right, sah. Yo' just tune up de 
music, while I gits my hat and cane, [runs out C. D. — ]\]T>ge. goes 
to organ and plays a prelude — Julius goes down and stands L. i 
wing — Squash turns chair and faces audience, holding glass in L.- 
hand, leaning back in chair — Thompkins seizes bottle and keeps 
Squash' s glass full during song) 

Julius, [speaks through tnusic, contemptuously!) Dat niggah am 
de conceitedest feller dat ebber lived. He can't sing. I can ; 
knock de stuffin' out ob him in dat line any day. (re-enter Neb C. 
D.; has silk hat on and cane tucked under ann ; assumes a dudish 
air) Look at him ! He's degustin * ! 



STRIFE. 51 

Neb. [cotningc) I'se ready, [to audience) Dis am my new suit. 

Song and ehorus introduced — walks up aiid dow7i front ; every time 
he approaches Julius he assumes a tantilizing air — Julius is first 
irritated, thejt mad, and finally gets into a passion — makes feint to 
strike Neb, who threatens him with cane — at conclusion of first 
verse and chorus Julius exclaims 

Julius, [aside) Dem am de clothes he got wid de money he 
stole from me. I don't care if I nebber speak to him again. 

Neb sings second verse atid chorus — at conclusion TnouvKi'iiS and 
Squash applaud vigorously — Judge continues to play a few bars 
— if there is no encore Neb approaches Julius who has been in- 
tently gazing at hat worn by Neb, ivho makes a face at hitn — 
Julius snatches hat off Neb as he comes near him. 

Neb. [in undertone, threatenittgly) Mind what yo' am about, 
niggah ! 

Julius, [in undertone, angrily) What yo' mean by wearin' my 
hat fur? 

Neb. [increasing tone) Kase I wanted to. 

Julius, [raising voice) Yo' had better not do it ag'in. [in this 
scene Neb and ]\]L.i\]S increase the tone of voice in each passage un- 
til both become thoroughly a?tgry) 

Neb. I will if I want to. 

Julius. No, yo' won't. 

Neb. Yo' can't hinder me. 

Julius. Yo' see wedder I kin or no. 

Neb. "We will see. Gib me dat hat ag'in, 

Julius. I won't. 

Neb. Gib it to me, I say. 

Julius. I sha'n't. 

Neb. Gib it to me, 'fore I kick de crown off it. 

Julius. If yo' kick dis hat yo' have got me fur to Hck. 

Neb. I'll do it, suah, if yo' don't fork it over. 

Julius. Keep away from me, niggah. 

Neb. Don't yo' be caUin' me names, or I'll lam yo' right here 
'fore dese gem' men. 

Julius. Yo' can't do it. 

Judge, [rises from instrument, sees Julius and Neb quarreling 
— Thompkins and Squash have been silently enjoying the scene) 
What in the deuce is the matter with you boys, ftoiv .^"(Julius and 
Neb^^ C, back of table quickly ; both talk rapidly to Judge) 

Julius. He wus tryin* to make me gib him my hat. 

Neb. He snatched it right of 'en my head widout axin' fur it. 

Julius. He's no business wearin' ob it. 



52 STRIFE. 

Neb. I 'tend to wear it wheneber I feels 'clined to, Mr. Nig- 
gah. 

Julius. Dem clothes he bought wid the money he Uole frum 
me. 

Neb. Dat's a lie. 

Julius. It am de gospel truth, Massa. 

Neb. Even if I did, it am not half as bad as pickin* Massa' s 
pockets. 

Julius. Who picked Massa' s pockets ? 

Neb. Yo' did ! 

Julius, [shaking fist under ^'E.^'s nose) I'll make yo' prove dat 
'fore a 'Squire. 

Neb. Yo' hab me 'rested if yo' dare. 

Julius. Den yo'll have to take dat 'sinuation back. 

Neb. I'll not do it, an' de hkes ob yo' can't m.ake me, either. 

Julius. But yo'll hab to do it. 

Neb. [close to hmi) Who'll make me ? 

Julius. I will. 

Neb. Do it now ! Yo's 'fraid, yo' am a coward. 

Squash. Go for him, Julius. Don't take that. 

Julius. I don't 'tend to. [strikes Neb, clinch and tussle — Thomp- 
KiNS rises, all laugh — Squash attempts to rise, upsets chair and falls 
over — Judge rtw^THOMPKiNS ^/^/ hands — SQUASH rises, seems a 
little unsteady) 

Judge. There, boys, that will do. 

T. and S. [in unison) No, no, let them go. 

Judge. All right then, fight it out. 

Thompkins. I'll bet on Neb. 

Squash. Juhus is my boy. Go for him, Julius. If you lick him, 
I'll give you a dollar. (Judge, Thompkins and Squash evince 
much pleasure) 

Thompkins. [going behind Neb) Squash, second your man. 
( Squash ^^^^5 ^^/^zW Julius) Judge, you act as referee and time- 
keeper, [the boys separate, ^¥.-2,1.., Julius r. ; stand panting and 
glaring at each other — Thompkins a7id Squash urge them on — they 
approach and strike without ej'ect— Neb rushes at Julius who steps 
aside — Neb plants both fists in Squash's sto?nach, which floors him — 
Julius rushes at Neb, who stops him — Neb throws right arm back 
and knocks (7Z/^;' Thompkins, who falls across doorway c. 

Enter Hans, hurriedly, C. D. 

Hans. Meester [trips f77/^r Thompkins and falls' forward- 
springing quickly to feet, he darts a hurried glance around roo?n — 
sees Neb and Julius tussli7ig up C, goes for them, snatches them 
apart and hits them on side of head; is raving mad) You dinks 
you be schmart : putty soon you dink 



STRIFE. 53 

Julius, [rushing at Hans) Come on, Neb, [both attack Hans 
and drive him up c. — Julius strikes Hans on stomach and bursts a 
bladder concealed under his clothitig — Wh.YkS falls on stomach) 

Neb. [at Hans' /^f?/) wSour krout has taken a tumble ! 

Julius, {moimting Hans* shoulders) De war am ended. Ger- 
many has fallen. De zu orl d 3.m our own I (Judge r. i e.; Squash 
R. 2 E.; Thompkins l. I E.; Neb l. 2 e. ; Julius standing on 
Hans' shoulders) 

QUICK DROP. 



ACT IV. 

Scene. — Same as Act III. Front part of organ is jnoved slightly 
away fro7n wing, displaying Neb secreted behind it — top of Jul- 
ius' head is seen projecting above sofa, L. — as curtain rises 
Laura steps in from c. d., looks around room, and advances a few 
steps down C. , talking to herself, holding in R. hand a letter sealed 
and stamped — lively music. 

Laura. I wonder where those boys are ! (Neb and Julius peep 
at her from hiding places) I have searched this house over and 
can't find them anywhere. It is too bad. I want this letter 
mailed, [holding up letter) and there is no one to take it to the 
office. I do wish there was some system used in running this 
house, then perhaps there would be more regularity in the attend- 
ance of our servants. 

Enter Dolly, c. d. 

Dolly, have you seen Neb or Julius lately ? 

Dolly. No, ma'am, not since dinner. 

Laura. Have you any idea where I would be likely to find one 
of them? 

Dolly. No, indeed. Meal hour is the only time one can feel 
certain as to their whereabouts. 

Laura. If you come across either one of them, send him to my 
room. I have an errand I wish performed. Exit c, d. 

Dolly. Yes, ma'am. I will. It's a shame the way the Judge al- 
lows those boys to neglect their work. He has lost all control over 
them, and yet, they are not such bad boys after all — full of mis- 
chief, and 

Julius, [behind sofa) Hoop ! 



54 STRIFE. . 

Dolly, startled, looks toward sofa — Neb peeps over organ at her, 
raises putty blower to mouth, and shoots Dolly on side of head — 
she starts and brushes object away. 

Dolly. What was that ? {looks R. ; Julius shoots her : she turns 
L.; Neb blows again; turns R., then ]\3\A\3S shoots \ turns \.., then 
quickly R., sees Neb's head, walks to instrument) Oh, ho; so it was 
you ! 

Neb. [coming from hiding place) Whar'sHans? 

Julius, (l.) Yes, whar is he.'' 

Dolly. Why, how do I know ? 

Neb. We thought he wuz comin' in here. 

Dolly. So you were hiding, to surprise him ? 

Julius. Yes, we 'tended to gib him 'ticular fits. 

Dolly. Didn't you hear Miss Laura asking for you two ? 

Neb. No, we closed our ears. 

Julius. Say, you ought to hab seen me an' Neb do up Hans 
dis mornin' ! 

Neb. Jule busted his wind fur him. 

Dolly. " Busted his wind " ? Why, what do you mean? 

Neb. Why, he knocked him out ob time. Say, I'll show yo'. 
[catches hold of ]\5Ll\3s, pulls him c. and gets in front of him) Yo', 
see dar [pointing to Julius) stood Hans. Now, I'se Jule. He 
doubled up his fists dis way, [suit action) an' rushed at Hans, an* 
hit him square in his stump-jack dis way. [rushes at ]\]l.i\3S who 
steps quickly aside ; Nkb falls fat on stomach) 

Julius, [quickly, pointing at Neb) And down he went jist like 
dat. (Julius and Dolly }augh) 

Neb. [rises, crestfallen) Yo' am a mean niggah to sarve me like 
dat! 

Julius. Yo' don't suppose /wanted to be winded, did yo' ? 

Neb. [rubbing hifnse If ) Yo' might hab let me, it wouldn't hab 
hurted yo' much, anyhow. 

Julius. No, sir, I'm not takin' nuffin like dat jist now. Say, 
[eagerly to Dolly) does yo' want to see sum fun ? 

Dolly. Why? 

Julius. If yo' does, jist go an' send Hans in dis room fur sum- 
fin', an' den yo' come back an' peep in de do' dar. [pointing C. D. ) 

Dolly. Why, what are you going to do? 

Julius. Nebber yo' mind. Yo'U see. We's 'pared to 'ceive 
him, ain't we. Neb ? 

Neb. Yes, siree, we'll warm his jacket fur him. 

Dolly, (going) Promise you'll not hurt him if I send him in. 

Neb. Oh, no, we'll not hurt him ! 

Julius. Ob course we won't ! 

Dolly. Very well, then, I'll do it. 

Neb. Say, will yo' please do us anoder favor? 



STRIFE. 55 

Dolly. What is it ? 

Neb. Close de shutters ob dis room, so it am dark. De light 
hurts my eyes. 

Julius. By golly, but dat am an idea, {to Dolly) Yo'll do it, 
won't yo' ? 

Dolly, {laughing) Yes, I'll do that, too ; but, remember boys, 
Miss Laura wants one of you to do an errand for her. 

Julius. All right. 77/ do it. It won't take me two minnits to 
go to de office fur her. 

Dolly, {at Q. door) What office ? 

Julius. De pos'-office. 

Dolly. How do you know she wants you to go there ? 

Julius. Hasn't she got a letter fur to mail ? 

Dolly. Has she ? 

Julius. Ob course she hab. 

Dolly. How do you know ? 

Julius. Didn't I heerd her say so ? 

Dolly. When? 

Julius. Only a minnit ago, when she was in here. 

Dolly. Then your ears were not closed, after all ? 

Julius, {making a face) Yo' cotched me dat time, but I'll take 
dat letter all de same. 

Dolly. Very well, see that you don't forget it. Exit C. D. 

Julius. Neb, dat wus a bully idea ob yo's, ter hab de shelters 
closed. Whar did yo' git it ? 

Neb. Out ob my head. 

Julius. Go way from me. Yo' did nuffin' ob de kind. 

Neb. Ob course I did. 

Julius. Yo' can't make me believe dat. 

Neb. Why ? 

Julius. 'Kase yo' am not got larnin' 'nough ! 

Neb. It does not 'quire larnin' to discog'tate a t'ing like dat. 

Julius. No — o 

Neb. It am de 'suit ob de nat'ral 'specity ob de equi — liver — 
dum. 

Julius. Oh, yes, now I un'stand. But, say, Neb, hadn't we 
better be a sneakin' ? {lights are gradually lowered) See, Dolly am 
a closin' de shelters. 

Neb. 'Spects we had. {both return to hiding places, lights very 
low) 

Julius. Neb ! 

Neb. What? 

Julius. Am it dark ober dar ? 

Neb. I should say so ! 

Julius. Is yo' 'fraid ? 

Neb. No, ob course, I isn't. Am yo' ? 

Julius. No— but I feel sort of lonesome. Say, Neb ! 



56 STRIFE. 

Neb. What am it ? 

Julius. Yo' won't run away, will yo* ? 

Neb. Ob course not. 

Julius. Yo' will stick to me ? 

Neb. No matter wot turns up. But say, Jule! 

Julius. Hush! he am a comin'. 

Neb. Yo' can 'pend on me. 

Julius. Hush ! 

Enter Judge c. d., quickly — Julius and Neb attack him sitnulta- 
neously, beating him over head with bladders covered with jnuslin. 

Judge, [screaming) Murder ! robbers ! 

Exit L. D. — boys come c, startled. 

Julius. By golly, Neb, now we's done it ! 

Neb. We hab, fur suah ! 

Julius. Did yo' know it wus de Jedge 'fore he hollered ? 

Neb. No. 

Julius. I thought he wus Hans. 

Neb. So did I. 

Julius. Wot' 11 we do? 

Neb. I dunno ! 

Julius. We had better skip ! 

Neb. Dat's so. [both start for Q.. D.; when near it they stop and 
listen) 

Julius. Hush ! sum one's comin' ! 

Neb. It am Hans. 

Julius. Dat am so. Yo' git on one side ob de door an' I'll git 
on de Oder, [rubbing hands) an' we'll gib him thunder ! (Julius 
L., Neb r.) 

Enter Hans c. d. ; has fioiir concealed in palm of hands — Julius 
and Neb attack him vigorously, beat him over head, face and 
shoulders, drive Imn C. — Hans places hajids over face and gets 
flour in mouth, nose and eyes — the boys start for CD., throiv blad- 
der bags in front of them, jump on thein ; they explode — Hans 
jumps ; the boys pick up bags a ;z^ exeunt quickly CD. 

Enter Judge l. d. with pistol— sees Hans. 

Judge. Surrender, you villain ! [discharges pistol — Hans screams 
and jumps) Surrender, you scoundrel! [fires; lights are up 
quickly — Hans C ; drops to knees, working eyes to get out flour ; 
nose, eyes and mouth appear full of it — Judge goes to Hans, catches 
him by collar, lifts hi?n up and applies boot, talking) 

Judge, [in a rage) You incorrigible Dutchman ! How dare you 
assault me in my own house ? I'll teach you a lesson you will not 
soon forget. How does that feel ? [kicking Hans) And that ? and 
that 1 



i\ 



STRIFE. 57 

Enter Julius, c. d. ivith blunderbuss followed by Neb and Dolly — 
Neb has a cleaver in his hand. 

Julius. Where am de assassin ? Show me dem ! {pointing guft 
aro7i7id room) 

Neb. Jist let 7ne git at dem. I'll make mince meat ob de blood- 
thirsty varmints in two seconds. (Dolly statids up c, siletttly 
laughing) 

Judge, {violently shaking Hans) Will you ever attempt another 
trick like that on me? [VIat^s attempts to s_peak) Don't you open 
your lips, or I'll discharge you on the spot. 

Enter Laura c. d., in a state of trepidation. 

Laura. In heaven's name, what is the meaning of this uproar? 
I heard pistol shots and a scream, and I thought some one was 
being murdered. 

Judge. And so there was ; that is, an attempt was made to murder 
vie. ( places pistol in hip pocket) 

Laura. To murder you ? 

Judge. Yes, I was knocked down and beaten shamefully. 

Laura. Where ? 

Judge. In this room. 

Laura. Then it was j^c//r cries I heard? 

Judge. Yes, I narrowly escaped with my life. By a superhuman 
effort I released myself from the grasp of my assailant, hurled him 
to the floor, ran out, got my revolver and returned in time to pre- 
vent his escape, {delivered rapidly, with action — Neb, Julius and 
Dolly glance at one another and smile) 

Laura. Who was your assailant ? 

Judge, {sternly) Why, Hans there ! {pointing) 

Laura. Hans? {the boys appear tickled) 

Hans. Meester Schudge ! 

Judge. Not a word ! 

Hans. But /2/z7/ say sumdings. You shust mistaken be ! 

Judge. About what ? 

Hans. Dot I strikes you ! 

Judge. Didn't I see you do it? 

Hans. Nein ! 

Judge. What? 

Hans. Nein, it vas some oder fellow. I vas almost kilt to deff 
mein self. 

Judge. You were ? 

Hans. Yah, und mein head shust feel like it vos stuffed mit snitz 
und vasser, und it — all — {perplexed) 

Julius. Sort o' swelled like ? 

Hans, {quickly) Yah, dot's so. 



58 STRIFE. 

Judge, {advancing angrily toward hitn, Hans retreating) You 
lying scoundrel, get out of this room. You can't blarney me. 
(Hans hesitates and attempts to speak) Not another word, go! 
[points c. D., Hans exits quickly) I'll attend to your case later. 
Now I wish to know who closed the window shutters and what for? 
[consternation seizes Dolly, Neb and]\2iA\5^) 

Julius. I 'spects it wus de wind dat blowed dem shet. 

Neb. So do I. 

Judge. Why do you? (Neb is embarrassed) 

Julius. 'Kase when I opened dose on dat side (r. ) dey wus not 
fastened. 

Neb. Neider wus dose on dis side, (l.) 

Judge, [sarcastically) No doubt the shutters closed themselves. 
I shall investigate this matter thoroughly and fix the blame where 
it belongs. 

Julius. Well, I didn't tech de blamed old shetters. 

Judge, [angrily) What do you mean by using such language in 
my presence"? 

Julius. Well, yo' needn't 'spicion in'cent pussons den. 

Neb. (/^ Judge) I'se gibs yo' a week's notice. I'm a gwine to 
leave yo'r sarvice. 

Julius. An' I too. I'se tired ob habin' my 'racity 'peached on 
ebbery 'casion. 

Judge, [emphatically) You can leave now for all I care. Clear 
out of here, both of you — [to Dolly) and you, too ; I wish to see 
Miss Bell alone, (exeunt Neb o:;/^ Julius c. ly., grnmblitig to them- 
selves, Dolly following, half laughing — Laura hands her letter 
and points to boys — Dolly nods head) 

Laura. Don't you think, sir, you are a little too severe upon the 
boys? 

Judge, [snrly) No, they deserve all they get. 

Laura. Suppose they should leave you? 

Judge, [interrupting) There is no danger of that. I couldn't 
drive them away. They have too easy a time of it here, and the 
rascals well know it. Now, Laura, [goes to table, sits L., Laura 
following to back of it) I wish to ask you a few questions. 

Laura. And I shall be most happy to answer them. 

Judge. Don't be too sure of that. 

Laura. Why not ? 

Judge. Wait and see. I have heard reports of you that are far 
from flattering. 

Laura, [surprised ) Why, what do you mean ? 

Judge. I beheve you know a young mechanic by the name of 
Hansen ? 

Laura. The one who was here this morning? 

Judge. The same. 

Laura. I do. 



STRIFE. 59 

Judge, [slightly sneering) A most estimable young man ? 

Laura. He is generally so considered. 

Judge. Of incorruptible principles ? 

Laura. I believe so. 

Judge. Worthy the love of even a nobk-hom woman ? 

Laura. That's true. 

Judge. Incapable of deceit.'' 

Laura. That's his reputation. 

Judge. A fit associate for the pure and innocent ? 

Laura. Certainly, sir. 

Judge. Of course. I was foolish to ask that question. 

Laura. Why, sir? 

Judge. Because your actions plainly show you so consider him. 

Laura. I do not understand you. 

Judge. Laura, you have deceived and grieved me beyond 
measure. 

Laura. In what way ? 

Judge. By your indiscretion. 

Laura. Why, what have I done? 

Judge. You have caused yourself to become the target for the 
gossips of our town. 

Laura. Indeed, sir, there must be some mistake. I am innocent 
of any wrong-doing. 

Judge. Your innocence robs the blow, so far as you are con- 
cerned, of half its sting. 

Laura. Again I ask what have I done ? How have I deceived 
you? 

Judge. By leading me to believe that you loved me, when your 
affections were centred upon another. 

Laura. I have not deceived you, for I do love you dearly. 

Judge. Ah ! 

Laura. Yes ; sir, that's true. 

Judge, [aside, smiling) I knew she couldn't resist me. [aloud, 
pleasantly) Well, my dear, that alters the case. Then you really 
love me ? 

Laura. I do. 

Judge. Certainly you do. I am glad to hear you say so. You 
will never have cause to be sorry for it, Laura. 

Laura. Thank you, sir, you have always been kind to me. 

Judge, [tenderly) And ahvays will be, dear. When we are 
married 

Laura, [surprised) Married, sir? 

Judge, [taken aback) Yes, that is what I said. 

Laura. We? You and /? 

Judge. Certainly. Didn't I speak plainly enough ? 

Laura. Yes, but it seems so strange. 

Judge. What's strange? 



6o STRIFE. 

Laura. That you, who are old enough to be my father, should 
think of marrying. 

Judge. It may seem strange, but I intend doing it. 

Laura. But surely, sir, you will seek some one near your own 
age? 

Judge. {_ playfully') Not unless ^j/^w refuse me. 

Laura. I? What have /to do with the case? 

Judge. Oh, you Httle innocent dear ! •' What have / to do with 
the case?" [laughs) As if you don't know ! 

Laura. Indeed, sir, I don't. 

Judge. Didn't you say you loved me ? 

Laura. I did. 

Judge. Didn't I ask you to marry me? 

Laura. No, sir ! 

Judge. I did, and you accepted me, too. 

Laura, [startled) Indeed, sir, I did not. I misunderstood you. 

Judge, [nettled) What ! then you don't love me after all ? 

Laura, [quickly) Not in the sense you mean, but as a father. 

Judge, [quickly) I do not want your love as a father — but as a 
husband. 

Laura. That cannot be ! 

Judge. Why? 

Laura. Because — [hesitates) 

Judge. You love Hansell ? 

Laura. I did not say so. 

Judge. No, not in so many words, but you might as well. Now 
let me tell you that the sooner you forget that man, the better it 
will be for all concerned, for 7narry him you shall not. I have 
been disgraced by you enough already. 

Laura. Disgraced by me ? In what way ? 

Judge, [abruptly) What do you mean by meeting Hansell 
secretly. 

Laura. Who says I do ? 

Judge. Everybody. Your disgraceful conduct has become town 
talk. Only last night you visited his house and were seen talking 
to him. 

Laura. Who told you that ? 

Judge. Never mind. Do you deny it? 

Laura. I do not. 

Judge, [excitedly) Then it is true ? 

Laura. It is. 

Judge, [sneeringly) Yet you wonder "how you have deceived 
and grieved me," when you, whom I have reared as my own 
child, so far forget maidenly modesty as to force yourself upon the 
notice of that low-born fellow, who 

Laura, [interrupting — speaks with power) Stop! you have gone 



STRIFE, 6 1 

too far. Henry Hansell may be a "low-born'' man, but he has 
never by word, look or action, attempted to insult a defenceless 
woman. 

Judge, [angrily] Oh, ho ! so you defend him? 

Laura. As I would defend you were one to unjustly assail 
you! 

Judge. And at my expense, too ! 

Laura. You left me no alternative. 

Judge, {excitedly) Mark me, Laura, your cavaHer Hansell is not 
what he seems to be. 

Laura. He's as true a knight as ever wielded lance in defence 
of his country's honor ! 

Judge, [passionately) No doubt you think so. And yet, you 
shall see his lance broken in twain, and his proud plumes trailing 
in the dust of his dishonor. 

Laura. Never ! if he be shown fair play ! 

Judge. That he shall have, but his disgrace is inevitable. Be- 
fore this day is over, I promise you he shall stand revealed in his 
true character, (enter Thomas, C. d.) But leave me now, I will 
call you when I am ready for you. 

Exit Laura, c. d. — as she passes Thomas he bows — she looks at him 
searchingly — as she reaches c. D., she is met by Hansell — they 
engage in earnest conversation outside c. D., Thomas ^<?^^ down C. 

Thomas, [eagerly) Has she heard yet ? 

Judge. No, but she soon shall, [examines watch) It is time he 
was here. 

Thomas. How do you propose arranging matters ? 

Judge. I hardly know. (Laura m/</ Hansell retreat i., ; Judge 
goes R. of organ) I wish you, however, to sit here, [dowti back of 
organ) so as to be hidden from the gaze of Hansell. (Thomas 
crosses R. and takes seat as Judge stops speaking) Your appearance 
on the scene is optional with you, but no doubt the dialogue will 
enable you to make it opportune. 

Thomas. You can depend upon me, sir, to see that it is. (Judge 
crosses to l. of table and sits) 

Judge. I have instructed Julius to show Hansell in here as soon 
as he comes, and to remain in the room, in case he is required to 
corroborate your statements. 

Thomas. That was a wise move. 

Judge. Hush ! 

Enter Julius, c. Tt., followed by Hansell, who has a letter in his 

hand. 

Julius, [bowing) Mr. Hansell. [goes down r.— Hansell goes 
down C, near table) 



62 STRIFE. 

Judge, [coldly) You are punctual. 

Hansen. I always try to meet my appointments promptly. 

Judge. That's good. 

Hansel!. And to treat all men fairly and honorably. 

Judge. Better still. 

Hansel!. But it seems / am not to receive the same recognition. 

Judge. Indeed ! 

Hansel!. No, sir. What is the reason ? 

Judge. Pray, how do I know ? 

Hansel!. You know why it is denied me in this letter, {^holding 
it up) 

Judge. I do not. 

Hansel!. Did you not write it? {handing it to Judge) 

Judge, {exainines it) I did. 

Hansel!. And yet you do not know ivhy I am treated in it so un- 
justly ? 

Judge. That's true. 

Hansel!. In that letter you hint of " dark crimes and damnable 
transgressions of law" I have perpetrated. 

Judge. That's so. 

Hansel!. And a " miscarriage of justice." 

Judge. True again. 

Hansel!. All of which I brand as infamous Hes ! 

Julius [aside) By golly, he's spunky ! 

Judge, [irritated) You do? 

Hansel!. Yes, sir. In the eye of the law a man is innocent until 
he is proved guilty. 

Judge. Which unfortunately was not done in your case. 

Hansel!. Sir? 

Judge. I mean what I say. 

Hansel!. To what do you refer? 

Judge. I will tell you presently. 

Hansel!. I de7nandX.o know noiv ! 

Judge. ( rising angrily) You do ? 

Hansel!. Yes, sir ! 

Judge. Suppose I don't feel inclined to tell you? 

Hansel!. Then you are no gentleman! 

Julius notices Thomas who beckons to him — Julius goes to him, 
they engage in earnest conversation — Thomas places coin in 
Julius' hand; he examines it, places it in pants pocket a7id nods 
his head "yes.'' 

Judge. What? 

Hansel!. I mean what I say. What has changed your feeling 
toward me ? But a few hours ago you believed me honest and 
worthy of your patronage, but now 



STRIFE. 63 

Judge, {interrupting) I know better ; I have been duped by a 
petty adventurer, destitute of character. 

Hansell. {angrily) Again I demand your proof ! 

Judge, {wartnly) And you shall have it. Did you ever live in 
Swansville ? 

Hansell. I did. 

Judge Why did you leave it.? 

Hansell. For reasons I beg to be excused from stating. (Julius 
goes down R. ) 

Judge, [sneeringly) Of course ! Did you ever meet a young 
girl there by the name of Duer ? 

Hansell. Upon a number of occasions 

Judge, [signijicajit/y) One of which you probably well remem- 
ber ! 

Hansell. [sadly) Yes, too well ! 

Judge, [significantly) No doubt of it. What became of her? 

Hansell. She was murdered. 

Judge. By whom ? [ivatches him closely) 

Hansell. I do not know — that is, I am not positive. 

Judge, [knowingly) You are not ? 

Hansell. No, sir. 

Judge. Well, /know! 

Hansell. You do .-* 

Judge. Yes, sir ! 

Hansell. Who was it ? 

Judge, [sneeringly) A young man who has since assumed the 
role oi 2i gentle ?nanly mechanic. 

Hansell. His name ? 

Judge. Henry Hansell. 

Hansell. ' Tis false / 

Thomas, [springing from concealment ; stands r.) It is tme I 

Hansell. (perceives Thomas ; starts) Now I see ! [to Judge) So 
he, [poiftting to Thomas) is my accuser.? 

Thomas. And an eye-witness of your crime. 

Hansell. [vehemetitly) Yon lie I 

Julius, [quickly, aside) Dat am puttin' it putty strong ! 

Judge, [sternly) Hansell, further denials are unnecessary. Your 
past career is well known to me, and the means you adopted to 
save your neck from a halter 

Hansell. [interncp ting) But, sir 

Judge. Not a word. Your crime I have nothing to do with, but 
there is another matter which I have. 

Hansell. [quickly) Don't trouble yourself to mention it — I accept 
no trust from a man who doubts my integrity. The position you 
offered me this morning is refused. 

Judge. I was not referring to that. 



64 Sl^RIFE. 

Hansen. What then ? 

Judge. To your attentions to my ward, which, by the way, are 
as degrading to her, as your presumption is insulting to me. 

Hansell. [sneering-ly] Thank you ! 

Judge, [angrily) Young man, it ill becomes one in your position 
to assume an injured air. 

Hansell. Enough of this, what are your wishes? 

Judge. That you openly, before me, apologize to my ward for 
the degradation you have caused her, and sever all ties existing 
between you. 

Hansell. That I will never do ! 

Judge. What? 

Hansell. No, sir. If Miss Bell — (enter Laura, C. d., manifest- 
ing intense interest ; quietly approaches back of Hansell) believes 
me capable of the sm you have charged me with, all she has to do 
is to say so, and we are parted ; for I crave the love of no woman 
who has not implicit faith in the integrity of my character. 

Laura, [at R. ^Hansell ; speaks zvarmly) Most nobly spoken ! 
When she doubts it, then will be the time for separation. 

Judge, [taken aback) What, Laura, you here? 

Laura. Yes, sir. 

Judge. I did not send for you. 

Laura. I am aware of it. Overhearing the demand you made 
upon Henry in reference to myself, I thought it time to interfere. 

Judge, {angrily) Leave the room this instant! 

Laura. Pardon me for refusing, but 

Judge, [sternly, pointing to Q. V).) Go! 

Laura. / shall not. I am no longer a child compelled to obey 
your every whim, but a woman, with a woman's heart and devo- 
tion that defies all commands intended to injure the man she 
loves ! 

Judge. You will be sorry for this ! 

Laura. Perhaps I may, but that does not deter me from per- 
forming my duty. 

Judge. Have you more confidence in him — [indicating Han- 
sell) than you have in me ? 

Laura. No, not more, for all I am and have I owe to your kind 
guardianship. 

Judge. Then leave this room. 

Laura. I cannot and will not, until yow prove to me that Henry 
is unworthy of the trust I have reposed in him. 

Judge. And if I do ? 

Laura. He will then be as dead to me forever ! 

Judge. Very well, I will do it, and fulfill my promise made you 
this morning. That man — [indicatijtg Hansell) once loved a 
maiden as pure and guileless as yourself, who trusted him with all 
the fervor born of woman's first love. She thought the sun ne'er 



STRIFE. 65 

shone upon a nobler creature of her Maker's handicraft, and her 
daily duties were made lighter and her life better by the faith she 
reposed in the promises he had made her ; and yet, one night, for 
reasons known only to himself, he murdered that pure, trusting 
creature and threw her body into the sea to hide his crime. 

Laura, {^slightly bewildered) Who did ? 

Judge. Why, that man, [poi7iting to Hansell) v]\vo professes \.o 
love you as he did Lillian Duer. 

Laura. Do — you mean — Henry — here ? 

Judge. Yes. [sneeringly] Where are his "knightly plumes" 
now ? 

Laura. I do not beheve it. [to Hansell) Is it true ? 

Hansell. Not a word of it ! 

Judge. Of course he'd deny it, but Mr. Thomas, there, can 
vouch for its truth. 

Thomas. Having been an eyewitness. Miss Bell, of his dastardly 
deed, I most assuredly can. 

Laura, [passionately) Henry, once for all, tell me honestly if this 
be true ! Do not mock me with untruths, for time must reveal all 
secrets. Tell the truth and let the consequences take care of them- 
selves. Aye, upon my bended knees [kneeling) I plead for the 
whole truth I 

Hansell. It is not true ! 

Laura. Siuear it, by the love you bear your mother, the most 
sacred tie which binds you to earth. 

Hansell. [with uplifted hand) I swear it; '\\s false, every word 
of it! 

Laura, [rising) Thank Heaven ! Now let come what will, I 
shall never doubt you, nor forget my plighted vows. 

Judge, [angrily to Hansell) You infamous scoundrel ! how 
dare you deceive that innocent girl by taking that oath ? 

Hansell. '• Deception "is an art never practised by me, and as 
to that " oath " a clear conscience, an honest heart and a sense of 
what is right, enable a man to siuear to what is true. 

Judge, [furiously ) Away with you ! Leave my house, you 
canting hypocrite. Before to-morrow's sun sets, your heinous deed 
shall be known throughout the length and breadth of this town. 

Hansell. [pleading) Judge, one word before I go — for myself \ 
ask nothing — but I have a gray-haired mother at home. If you 
carry out your purpose, the blow will kill her. Do what you 
please to me, but, in mercy's name, spare her. 

Judge. Did you spare the mother of your murdered victim ? 

Hansell. I have murdered no one. 

Judge. Have you spared my feehngs by robbing me of my 
ward's affections? 



66 STRIFE. 

Hansell. I could not help that. 

Judge. No, nor shall / spare _y(7« from being branded with the 
title you so richly deserve. 

Enter Mrs. Hansell and Dolly C. D. — Mrs. H. is dressed in 
dark clothing, has heavy black veil over features , comes C, 
Dolly trying to restrain her, followed by Nkb who stands up c. 

Mrs. H. [with power) Then I shall ! {all appear st Artie d) 

Laura, {surprised, to Mks. H.) You here .'' ^ 

Judge. Who is that woman? 

Hansell. My mother. 

Judge. What is the meaning of her presence? 

Hansell. I do not know. (Laura ^^7^5 to Mrs. H.) 

Judge, {to Laura) Do you know her, too? 

Laura. Yes, sir. 

Mrs. H. {to Judge) And you do, also, {throws back veil) 

Judge, {starting back in surprise) Do my eyes deceive me ! 
Whom do I behold ? 

Mrs. H. {quickly) Yottr wife — the mother of your son {indicat- 
ing Dolly and Hansell) and daughter ! 

Hansell. I his son ! 

Dolly. He my father ! 

Mrs. H. Yes, my children, he's your father. 

Dolly. I'm sorry to hear it. 

Hansell. {bitterly) Better 1 had never been born ! 

Judge, {to Hansell) I can heartily echo that wish. 

Mrs. H. {to Judge) My son showed me the letter you wrote him 
this morning. Knowing your nature I determined to reveal my- 
self to you, hoping thereby to avert the blow you meditated 
against your own flesh and blood. 

Judge. No injury I can do him can equal the blow he has dealt 
me. To be a felon's father is a living death! 

Hansell. {warmly) In a few minutes I shall leave your house, 
never to enter it again, {to Mrs. H.) Mother, am I that man's 
son ? {pointing to Judge) 

Mrs. H. You are. 

Hansell. His lawful son ? 

Mrs. H. Certainly. 

Hansell. Then why am /called Hansell? 

Mrs. H. Because, when I left your father's house, I adopted my 
mother's maiden name to prevent my retreat being discovered, 

Laura. Now I know why you always wore that veil over your 
face when in public. It was done to prevent your husband from 
recognizing you. 

Mrs. H. True, my child. Ever since I entered this town, the 



STRIFE. 67 

abode of my husband, I have been in mortal terror lest he should 
discover who I was. 

Laura. Why did you come here if you desired not to meet him ? 

Mrs. H. Because Henry could obtain work nowhere else at the 
time. The firm he was employed by in Swansville failed, and as 
Dolly and I were dependent upon his exertions for our daily bread, 
it was come here or starve. 

Judge, [significantly) Was that the only reason that brought 
you here ? 

Mrs. H. [haughtily) It was. 

Judge. I have heard a different story. 

Hansell. [hotly) Be careful, sir, she is my mother and the only 
father I ever knew ! Insult her by what you contemplate, and as 
sure as there is a Heaven above I will resent it. 

Mrs. H. Hush, Henry ! You'll do nothing of the kind. I came 
here expressly to plead in your behalf and expect to hear some 
bitter words. I wish to clear you in your father's eyes of all 
shadow of crime. 

Hansell. Your mission will then be fruitless, for 

Mrs. H. Hush ! I know what you were going to say, but I do 
not believe it. [to Judge) You beHeve Henry to be a criminal? 

Judge. I do. 

Mrs. H. Are you aware that he was tried and acquitted ? 

Judge. I am, and also what means were used to accomplish that 
purpose. 

Mrs. H. I do not understand to what you refer ? 

Judge, [curtly) Perjured evidence / 

Mrs. H. Explain yourself. 

Judge. Was he not acquitted by the evidence of yourself and 
your daughter ? 

Mrs. H. He was. 

Judge. By your sworn testimony that he never left his home the 
evening of the murder ? 

Mrs. H. Yes. 

Judge. Were you not aware when you testified to that fact that 
it VJ2J=> false? 

Mrs. H. [in surprise) What do you mean ? 

Judge. That he didXedive his home, and that you knew it. 

Mrs. H. No, I was not aware of that fact, neither is it true. 

Hansell. [quickly, with eagerness) Mother, do you really mean 
that? 

Mrs. H. I do. It is the truth. 

Hansell. [with feeling) At last peace has been found. Pardon 
me for doubting you, but I have always thought you knew of my 
absence, but believing \n my innocence testified as you did to save 
me from the gallows. 



6S STRIFE. 

Mrs. H. My son, how could you ever believe me guilty of such 
a crime ? 

Hansell. I know noiv how unjustly I have wronged you, and beg 
your forgiveness. 

Thomas. Judge, why pursue this matter further ? He has con- 
fessed his guilt by acknowledging his absence from his home the 
night of the murder. 

Hansell. [angrily to Thomas) Suggestions ixova you are not re- 
quired, and I have confessed nothing that imphcates me in any 
crime. 

Thomas. Haven't you? Do you deny seeing Lillian Duer the 



night of her murde 

Hansell. Alive? Yes. 

Thomas. Dead ? 

Hansell. No. 

Thomas. You were seen bending over her form. 

Hansell. I am aware of that — hy you, 

Thomas. Yes, and by some otie else. 

Hansell. [surprised) Who? 

Thomas. By Juhus there. 

Judge. If you are innocent as you claim, explain what you were 
doing when seen by Mr. Thomas. 

Hansell. I was probably examining the body, to see if I could 
identify it. 

Thomas, [sneeringly) A likely story ! 

Judge. What excuse have you to offer for leaving your home at 
that particular time? 

Hansell. {^significantly') Suppose you ask Thomas there the same 
question. 

Thomas. That's unnecessary ; besides, I can make a satisfactory 
answer. 

Judge. I addressed my request to you — will you answer? 

Hansell. I will, but I do not expect you to believe me. I was 
simply taking a walk. 

Judge. For what purpose ? 

Hansell. To obtain comfort. The heat in my bedroom was so 
oppressive I could not rest ; so I rose, dressed myself and was walk- 
ing along the beach, when I came across the body of her whose 
life you accuse me of taking. 

Judge. Well — proceed. 

Hansell. Stooping down, I examined it and found it to be the 
lifeless form of my old playmate. I then — {brokenly) Excuse me 
from saying anything more, excepting that I returned home horror- 
stricken, {averts head; appearance of sadness) 

Thomas, {stniles knoivingly) Adroitly explained, Judge, Cor- 
roborates my statement to a nicety ! 



STRIFE. 



69 



Judge. True ! 

Thomas, {pointing exultingly) Look at him ! Has he the ap- 
pearance of an innocent man ? Do you longer doubt his guilt? 

Judge. No, nor can any one else. 

Laura, [quickly) Well, / do. Shame upon you both for your 
lack of charity. 

Judge. Laura, do you still believe in his innocence after what 
you have heard ? 

Laura. I do, and ever shall believe him what I do now — a pure, 
noble, innocent man. And all you two may do and say will never 
shake my faith in his declarations. 

Julius, [quickly, aside) Bully fur her! 

Judge. He is my son ; would to Heaven I had your confidence. 
I would gladly share your belief, but when I remember that Mr. 
Thomas saw him commit his foul deed, I cannot. 

Mrs. H. [agitated) Henry, is that so ? 

Hansell. [quickly) As God is my witness — it is not ! 

Thomas, [excitedly to Hansell) I sa%v you commit the deed. 

Hansell. [with ivarmth) You did not! 

Thomas. I did, and can prove by Julius, here, that I did. 

Hansell. What does he know about the affair ? 

Julius. Heaps mor'n yo' s'pose. 

Thomas. He was a witness of your act. 

Julius. Yes, dat's so. 

Thomas, [exultingly) Now, are all satisfied? 

Laura. No, sir, I'm 710 1 1 

Thomas, [quickly) Then you shall be. Juhus, didn't you see 
Miss Duer strangled ? 

Julius. Yes, sah. 

Thomas. And didn't that man [pointing to Hansell) perform 
the deed ? 

Julius, [emphatically) No, sah, he didn't. 

Thomas, [excitedly) What ! 

Julius. No, sah ; yo' did it yo'se'f. 

Thomas, [drawing knife and springing at JULius) You lying 
scoundrel ! I'll cut your throat 

Julius, [quickly drawing horse pistol and covering Tuou as) No, 
yo' won't, fur I'll let daylight fro' yo' fust. (Thomas stops— Mks. 
H. and Laura slightly retreat l., alarmed) Yo' tho't I only seed 
Massa Henry dar dat night, but I seed yo' kill dat gal afore he 
cum, an' hide ahind de rocks. (Thomas starts for Julius) Stop, 
or I'll pull on yo' fur sartin. 

Thomas. Curse you, you shall pay dearly for your treachery !^ 

Julius. P'raps I may, but not in dis world if I'se knows myse'f. 

Laura, [to Judge) Have him arrested ! 

Thomas, [starting quickly for Q. d.) I'll not be taken alive ! 



70 STRIFE. 

Judge, [loudly) Stop him ! Stop him ! 

Neb. [excitedly, as Thomas passes him) Pull on him, Jule, pull 
on him ! [as Thomas reaches c. d. he is met by Hans ; they collide — 
Thomas sends Hans sprawling r. and rushes out l. — Neb follows 
him out) 

Julius, [replacing pistol) Let him go, he'll not git furder dan de 
front door, fur I'se got a perhce dar to 'rest him. 

Judge, [to Julius) How is that ? 

Julius. Why, you see, I 'tended to blow on him, anyhow, 'kase 
he wus a gittin too ind' pendent an' sassy-like fur me. He 'tended 
not to know a feller when he met me on de street. So when I seed 
him cum in here, knowin' he wus workin' agin' Massa Henry dar, 
I jist scooted out an' posted de perlice to watch de doors an' not 
let him 'scape. 

Laura, [to Judge) I can't conceive how you allowed yourself to 
be imposed upon by that man Thomas 1 

Judge. It is a mystery to me, also. I shall never forgive my- 
self for the injustice done my own flesh and blood, [pistol shots 
heard off back ) What's that ? 

Julius. Oh, I guess de perlice am a gibin' Thomas a dose ob 
pills to swaller. 

Hansen, [to Julius) How came you in Swansville? (Mrs. H. 
crosses to Dolly, and they engage in earnest conversatioti) 

Julius. I used ter lib dar, 'fore I took sarvice wid de Jedge. 

Hansell. Then why didn't you come forward at my trial and ex- 
pose Thomas ? 

Julius. Kase it wus no use, you got free any how ; 'sides I wus 
'fraid Thomas might [imitates throttling) me. He nebber knowed 
I seed him kill de gal. Yo' see, I wus a comin' home frumacoon 
hunt, when all ob a sudden I came across Thomas an' a gal quar- 
relin'. I got 'hind a tree to see de fun. Dey wus bofe mad as 
fire. Thomas wanted de gal to piomise him sumfin' an' she 
wouldn't, so he chokes her. Den I 'spects he seed yo' comin' 
down de beach, kase he got 'hind some rocks an' hid. Putty 
soon yo' cum 'long, 'zamined de gal, muttered sumfin' sort o' 
mournful like an' went away. 

Hansell. And Thomas, what did he do then ? 

Julius. He cotched sight ob me, so he cum right ober to whar I 
wus — I wus skeered so bad I couldn't run. He grabs me by de 
neck an' says, " 'Member, if yo's am called 'pon, dat dat man," 
pointing to yo', "killed dat gal." I said "all right." He gib me 
sum money an' went away. I don't know how /got home. 

Hansell. If you were in league with Thomas, why didn't he call 
you to strengthen his testimony at my trial. 

Julius. I dunno, guess he wus 'fraid I knowed mor'n I 'tended 
to. He of 'en axed me 'bout de matter when I tackled him fur 



STRIFE. 71 

money, but I nebber gave him any satisfaction. But I alius got 
my money all de same. 

Enter Neb excitedly, c. D. 

Neb. De perlice am got him now, but dey hab to shoot him 
fust, he fit like a wild cat. {stands L. of Mrs. H.) 

Mrs. H. Poor man, I pity him ! 

Judge. Pity is wasted upon a man of his brutal instincts. Let us 
rather hope he will repent of his misdeeds before his day of reck- 
oning comes, [to Hansell) Henry, I feel it is almost like adding 
insult to injury to ask your forgiveness for the harsh treatment you 
have received from me. 

Hansell. {interrupting) You could not well do otherwise, for 
appearances certainly were against me. 

f Judge. Yet they should not have influenced me, after your re- 
peated declarations of innocence. There {extending hand) is my 
hand. Let not your duty as a son sway you one iota, but if as a 
man you will accept it, I solemnly promise to make you what 
atonement lies in my power. 

Hansell. I accept it, both as a man and a so7i, desiring nothing 
more but justice for my mother and sister. 

Judge. That both shall have. The past has taught me a lesson 
I shall never forget. My house, fortune, all I possess, is theirs to 
command. 

Dolly, {quickly) Which would be worthless to us unless you 
shared it. 

Judge, {sadly) That cannot be. My transgressions against 
your mother are too great ever for me to obtain pardon. 

Dolly. Ask and 

Mrs. H. {interrupting) No, no — do not urge that now. Let us 
return to our humble home and resume our old ways. If in the 
future a reconciliation is considered best for the advancement of 
your interests, my dear children, I will gladly forget my past suf- 
ferings and do all in my power to effect it. 

Hansell. Nobly spoken, mother. That ensures us a reunited 
family in the near future. 

Judge. Then with Laura for your wife, your name at the head 
of our firm, and my dear wife once more sharing our hap- 
piness 

Dolly, {interrupting) Ar\d I io irsim you 

Judge, {smiling) There will be nothing but sunshine to make 
glad our remaining days. 

Julius, {dolefully) May I ax wot yo' 'tend to do wid me an' 
Neb? 

Judge. Why, I thought you both were going to leave me. 



72 STRIFE. 

Julius. Well, we might stay wid yo' if yo' 'siiaded us hard 
'nough. 

Judge. That will depend upon your future conduct. 

Neb. All right, den we'll be a part ob de great Buttons family. 

Judge down r. c; Hansell and Laura down l. c. ; Mrs. 
Hansell r. c, back ^ Judge; Dolly l. c, back of Hansell 
and Laura ; Julius down R. ^ Judge ; Neb up c.; Hans in 
doorway c. 



CURTAIN— QUICK DROP. 



ROORBACH'S AMERICAN EDITION.— Continued, 

25. MURDER WILL OUT. A farce in one act. Six female characters. Time, 

thirty ininiites. 
a6. APRIL FOOLS. A farce in one act. Three mal6 characters. Time, thirty 

minutes. 
27. OLD CRONIES. A comedietta in one act. Two male characters. Time, 

thirty minutes. 
23, CUT OFF WITH A SHILLING. A comedietta in one act. Two male, one 

female characters. Time, forty-five minutes. 

29. A CASE FOR EVICTION. A comedietta in one act. One male, two female 
characters, lime, thirty minutes. 

30. A HAPPY PAIR. A comedietta in one act. One male, one female characters. 
Time, forty-five minutes. 

31. UNCLE'S W^ILL. A comedietta in one act. Two male, one female charac- 
ters. Time, thirty m'nutes. 

32. POPPING THE QUESTION. A farce in one act. Two male, four female 
characters. Time, forty minutes. 

33. THAT RASCAL PAT. A farce ia one act. Three male, two female charac- 
ters. Time, th'rty minutes. 

34. SOLON SHINGLE. A comedy in two acts. Seven male, two female charac- 
ters. Time, one hour and a half. 

35. NOT SUCH A FOOL AS HE LOOKS. A comedy in three acts. Five 
male, four female characters. Time, two hours and a half. 

36. OUR BOYS. A comedy in three acts. Six male, four female characters. Time, 
two hours. 

37. CASTE. A comedy in three acts. Five male, three female characters. Time, 
two hours and half. 

38. HOME. A comedy in three acts. Four male, three female characters. Time, 
two hours. 

39. MEG'S DIVERSION. A drama in two acts. Five male, three female charac- 
ters. Time, one hour and three quarters. 

40. MIRIAM'S CRIME. A drama in three acts. Five male, three female charac- 
ters. Time, two hours. 

41. BY FORCE OF IMPULSE. A drama in three acts. Nine male, three female 
characters. Time, two hours and a half, 

42. BETWEEN TWO FIRES. A comedy-drama in three acts. Eight male, 
three female characters. Time, two hours and a half. 

43. SAVED FROM THE WRECK. A drama in three acts. Eight male, three 
female characters. Time, two hours and a half. 

44. A LESSON IN ELEGANCE. A comedietta in one act. Four female ;,harac- 
ters. Time, thirty minutest 

45. WANTED, A CONFIDENTIAL CLERK. A farce in one act. Six 
male characters. Time, thirty minutes. 

46. THE TRIPLE WEDDING. A drama in three acts. Four male, four female 
characters. Time, one hour and a quarter. 

47. SECOND SIGHT; OR, YOUR FORTUNE FOR A DOLLAR. A farce 
in one act. Four male, one female characters. Time, one hour. 

48. UNDER A CLOUD. A comedy-drama in two acts. Five male, two female 
characters. Time, one hour and a half. 

49. STRIFE. A comedy-drama in four acts. Nine male, four female characters. 
Time, two hours and a quarter. 

50. TRIED AND TRUE. A drama in three acts. Eight male, three female char- 
ters. Time, two hours and a quarter. 

51. CRAWFORD'S CLAIM. A drama in prologue and three acts. Nine male, 
three female characters. Time, two hours and a quarter. 

52. TEN NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM. New Copyright Version. A drama 
in five acts. Seven male, four female characters. Time, two hours. 

K^°" A ny o/the above will be sent by tnail, post-paid, to any address, on receipt 

HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York. 



015 775 606 # 



TOWNSEND'S 

^'AMATEUR THEATRICALS, 

A Practual Guide /or Amateur Actors. 



J ) 



PRICE, 25 CENTS. 



This work, without a rival in the field of dramatic literature, covers the entire sub- 
ject of amateur acting, and answers the thousand and one questions that arise constantly 
to worry and perplex both actor and manager. It tells how to select plays and what 
plays to select ; how to get up a dramatic club— whom to choose and whom to avoid ; 
how to select characters, showing who should as-;ume particular roles : how to rehearse 
a play properlj' — including stage business, by-play, voice, gestures, action, etc.; how to 
represent all the passions and emotions, from Love to Hate (this chapter is worth many 
times the price of the book, as the same information cannot be found in any similar 
work) ; how to costume modern plays. All is told in such a plain, simple style that 
the veriest tyro can understand. The details are so complete and the descriptions so 
clear that the most inexperienced can follow them readily. The book is full of breezy 
anecdotes that illustrate different points. But its crowning merit is that it is thoroughly 
PKACTiCAL — it is the result of the author's long experience as an actor and manager. 
Every drimalic club in the land should possess a copy of this book, and no actor can 
afford to be without it. It contains so much valuable information that even old stagers 
will consult it with advantage. 

H ELMER'S 

ACTOR'S MAKE-UP BOOK. 

A Practical and Systematic Guide to the Art of Alaking up for the Stage, 

PRICE, 25 CENTS. 

Facial make-up has much to do with an actor's success. This manual is a perfect 
•encyclopedia of a branch of knowledge most essential to all players. It is well written, 
■systematic, exhaustive, practical, unique. Professional and amateur actors and act- 
resses alike pronounce it thk best make-up book ever published. It is simply indis 
pensable to those who cannot command the services of a perruquier. 

CONTENTS. 

Chapter I. Theatrical Wigs.— The Style and Form of Theatrical Wigs and 
Beards. The Color and Shading of Theatrical Wigs and Beards. Directions for 
Measuring the Head. To put on a Wig properly. 

Chapter II. Theatrical Beards. — How to fashion a Beard out of Crepe Hair. 
How to make Beards of Wool. The growth of Beard simulated. 

Chapter III. The Make-up. — A successful Character Mask, and how to make it. 
Perspiration during performance, how removed. 

Chapter IV. The Make-up Box. — Grease Paints. Grease Paints in Sticks ; Flesh 
Cream ; Face Powder ; How to use Face Powder as a Liquid Cream ; The various shades 
of Face Powder. Water Cosmetique. Nose Putty. Court Plaster. Cocoa Butter. 
Crepe Hair and Prepared Wool. Grenadine. Dorin's Rouge. " Old Man's" Rouge. 
"Juvenile" Rouge. Spirit Gum. Email Noir. Bear's Grease. Eyebrow Pencils. 
Artist's Stomps. Powder Puffs. Hare's Feet. Camel's-hair Brushes. 

Chapter V. The Features and their Treat.ment. — The Eyes: Blindness. The 
Eyelids. The Eyebrows : How to paint out an eyebrow or mustache ; How to paste 
on eyebrows ; How to regulate bushy eyebrows. The Eyelashes : To alter the appear- 
ance of the eyes. The Ears. The Nose : A Roman nose ; How to use the nose putty ; 
a pug nose; an African nose; a large nose apparently reduced in size. The Mouth 
and Lips : a juvenile mouth ; an old mouth ; a sensuous mouth ; a satirical mouth ; a 
one-sided mouth ; a merry mouth ; a sullen mouth. The Teeth. The Neck, Arms, 
Hands and Finger-nails : Fineer-nails lengthened. Wrinkles: Friendliness and Sullen- 
ness indicated by wrinkles. Shading. A Starving Character. A Cut in the Face. A 
Thin Face made Fleshy. 

Chapter VI. Typical Character Masks. — The Make-up for Youth : Dimpled 
Cheeks. Manhood. Middle Age. Making up as a Drunkard : One method ; another 
method. Old Age. Negroes. Moors. Chinese. King Lear. Shylock. Macbeth. 
Richelieu. Statuary. Clowns. 

Chapter VII. Special Hints to Ladies. — The Make-up. Theatrical Wigs and 
Hair Goods. 

|p§^ Copies n/ the above tvill be mailed, post-paid, to any address, on receipt of 
the n>inexed prices. ,^^^ 

HAROLD ROORBACH, Publisher, 9 Murray St., New York. 



1^0A*J 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





015 775 606 # 



